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X> 



H ISTORY 



OF THE 



Veteran Vslunteer Infantr^^. 



* 



A NARRATIVE OF ITS ORGANIZATION, MARCHES, BATTLES 
AND OTHER EXPERIENCES IN CAMP AND PRISON I 



FROM 1061 to 1866. 

WITH REVISED ROSTER 



By WM. R. HARTPENCE, 
sergeant major. 

HARELSON, OHIO. : 

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 

CINCINNATI, O. : 
THE ROBERT CLARKE COMPANY, PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1894, 

By WILLIAM R. HARTPENCE, 

In the Office of tlie Libi'arian of Congress, at Wasliington. 



U 



5\' 



o 









Colonel A. D. Streight. 



CONTENTS, 



Page. 

Author's Pkeface vii 

Introduction 1 

Origin of Fifty-First 3 

First sensations 5 

From citizen to soldier 6 

Camp Streight 7 

First review 7 

Leaving Indianapolis 8 

E,n route for "Dixie" 9 

"I'd lilie to see a live rebel ! "... 9 

Swearing them in 10 

Serenade 11 

On to Bardstown 11 

Army oven 12 

No two watclies agree...., 12 

Camp Morton, Ky 13 

Twentieth Brigade 13 

To Lebanon and Hall's Gap 14 

Biscuits and coffee 15 

Mrs. Bridgewater's turkeys 15 

Vaccinated 15 

Munfordsville— 32d and Texans 15 

Mammotli Cave 16 

No almanac 17 

Who stole the ^lieep? 17 

Buchthal's chicken , 19 

Marker crossing tlie guard-line 20 

Rank of Streight and Harker... 21 

First arrival at Bowling Green. 21 

Col. Streight's prediction 22 

The "skinner" 22 

Mule beef. 22 

First gunboat 23 

Misfits 23 

Lots to learn 24 

Canteen, tin-plate, haversack... 25 

The bayonet and poncho 26 

Pairing oft 27 

Mule-whackers 27 

First pay-day 27 

Smallpox 28 

Regimental band discharged... 28 
ill 



Page 

"Skirmishing" for "graybacks" 29 

Wood-ticks and jiggers 29 

Department of the Ohio 30 

Trimming for real service 31 

"No foraging" 31 

Off for Shiloh 32 

"Them durned greyhounds! " .. 32 

Organization of Sixth Division 33 

Garfield commands 20th Brig... 34 

Grant and Buell 35 

Grant learns a lesson 35 

Pittsburg Landing 37 

"Grab a root ! " 37 

Gen. Wood's "good word" 38 

Johnny Burk 38 

"Sloshing around" at Shiloh ... 39 

Second day at Shiloh 40 

LTnder the horses 41 

After the battle 42 

Col. Streight's letters 43 

Burying at Shiloh 44 

Buell on the campaign 44 

Drilling overdone 45 

"My whisky!" 45 

Scared by a "quaker" gun 46 

Before CWinth 47 

Corinthian females 49 

"Brung," "fotcii," "tote" 49 

W^ood's report of Corinth 49 

Moving east 51 

luka Springs 51 

A hard march 52 

Arrival at Tu.scumbia 53 

Su n stroke 53 

Town Creek — blackberries, fisii 54 

"Rear-open-open ! " 54 

Bob Ridley 55 

A terrific storm 55 

At Mooresville, Alaljama 56 

"Nerve" — pork and potatoes.... 56 

Fourth of July 57 

Expedition to Davis' Gap 57 



IV 



FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



Page 

Stroiglit's report of Davis' Gap. 61 

<^'apt. Writer's report 65 

Moving a locomotive 67 

Oil the road again 68 

Yelled at everytiiing 68 

jNI is] il acecJ con tideiiee 69 

Denny <)ronioted Major 70 

Cljaplain (iaskins' Irog 7(i 

liucU fever 70 

.Sniift-rubbing 71 

Negro praver at Stevenson 71 

".S,vntax""and "Prosody" 72 

Arrival ai Woodville 72 

A land of milk and lionev 72 

"Weasel" ".Jonty Pete".'. 78 

She-relie! — Tnrning tlie tables.. 74 

A guerrilla converted 7o 

Chase aftei Bragg 76 

"Johnnies" 76 

A truce 77 

Forty miles' march 78 

Kiley and Houzlot 79 

INIrs. iStreight's escape 79 

Silver Springs — Swearing-otl... 88 

"Drap that cawn ! " ".. 84 

Arrival at T.ouisville, Ky 84 

"Troopees" '. 84 

()l)eying orders So 

Visi't to 79th Indiana 86 

Living statuary 86 

Gov. Morton visits the troops... 86 

The "squirrel-hunters" 87 

P.attleof I'erryville : 87 

Bragg skediid'dles 88 

Hcconnoisance (Harrodsburgli ) 89 

Through Danville cemeterv 89 

Skirmish at Crab Orchard..'. 89 

Snowed under at Glasgow 89 

Surmounting difficulties 99 

Fiiiht at(;allatin 90 

"Rally on the fence!" 90 

A Yankee trick 91 

Under Kosecrans 98 

New overcoats iGov. INIorton i.. 98 

"Rosy is the man" 94 

Battle of Stone River 96 

]|osecrans' report of Stone River 98 

Report of Cli. of Art'v, Barnett 98 

Gen. Phil. Sheridan... 99 

" (tcii. Crittenden 99 

" (Jen. Thos. J. Wood.. 100 

" (ien. Milo Hascall 101 

(^h. Art'v, Left Wing 102 

" Col. Chas. a. Marker 102 

" Col. A. D. Streight ... 105 

(ieoige W. Holbrook killed 109 

John (Jasper's narrow escape... 109 



Page 

Martin Phillippe killed 109 

Capt. M. T. Anderson wounded 109 

Sergeant Denny's coat-tail 109 

Corporal Clements' capture 110 

P'ifty-First going int(j a fight.... 110 
Treachery of Ind. Legislature... Ill 
Reconnoisance to Nolinsvllle... 112 
Bold capture by Henry ]Moore.. 113 

Lieut. -Col. Colescott resigns 118 

Streight captuiies his captors 118 

Provisioxai. Campaign. 114 
•Van Home's report of the Raid 114 
Organization of Prov. Brigade. 116 
(tcu. Rosecrans' to Hurlhurt.... 116 
(xen. Garfield to Col. Straigiit .. 117 
Col. Streight to (jfen. Garfield .. 118 
To Palmyra and Fort Henry ... 119 

Filet's Marine Brigade 120 

Col. Streight to Clen. Dodge 120 

Mrs. Streight... 120 
Gen. Hurlburt to Gen. Halleck 121 
Gen, Oglesby to Gen. Hurlburt 121 
(jien. Dodge to (Jen. Oglesby ... 121 
Col. Streight to Mrs. Streigiit... 122 

Gen. (iJarfield... 122 
(tcu. Sweeny to Col. Morton ... 122 

To Fastport and Tuscumbia 123 

To Mt. Hope and Moulton 123 

Captain Smith's command 124 

Fight at Day's CJap 126 

Death of Lieut. -Col. Sheets 127 

Brutal vandalism of guerrillas.. 128 

Arrival at Blountsviile 131 

Figiit at Black Warrior River.. 131 

The Brigade at (iadsden 188 

Major Vananda's batterv 133 

Battle of Blount's Farm'. 1.84 

Death of Col. Hatliaway 184 

Charles McWilliams.. 185 

The Brigade in ambush 185 

Cai)tain Russell's vanguard 187 

Surrender at Rome 1.88 

Operations elsewhere 138 

Rebel correspondence 139 

Prisoners of war — rebel parole.. 140 
Sergeant McClure's trick muie 141 
W. T. Jordan's narrow escape.. 142 

Settling an altercation 142 

Wm. Jelf shot at Day's (:Jap 142 

Anderson saves Gibson's life.... 148 

Starting for Riclimond 144 

Arrival at Belle Isle 146 

Back again to (Jod's country ... 148 

Inside of Ijibby Prison 150 

Doom of Sawyer and Flinn 151 

Capt. Driscoll an<l Lieut. Reed. 154 
Reducing the rations in Libby.. 155 



INDEX OF CONTENTS. 



Page 
Anderson and Skelton escape... 157 
Streiglit and Ueed "get left".... 166 
Council of Five — Two tunnels.. 167 
Escape of 109 Union prisoners.. 169 
Streigiit and Seearce iret away.. 170 
Statement of ('aptain Waliicls:. 172 
" Major Simpson ... 173 

Mrs. Abbie Green 174 

Captain Russell and others ...... 174 

Streiuht's letter from Wash'toii 179 
Resolution of the reliel congre.ss 180 
Seventy-third Indiana Re>r't.... 181 

Detacliment at "the front" 182 

A tj'iiograpliic war trophy 183 

Moses, and his Baptist sermon. 183 

The JNIortran raid 185 

Siesre of Cliattanooga 189 

Battle of Missionary Rid);e 190 

Lt -Col. Comparet' comuiands.. 193 

Battle r)f Charleston, Tenn 195 

The Fifty-First veteranizes 197 

Testimonial to "veterans" .'. 200 

Veterans at Iiidianaimlis 202 

P'ifty-First returns to the front. 204 

A tramp across tiie country 205 

The "Thimble Society"...'. 206 

Nicivuames — Petty and Jig 208 

2d lirig., 2d r)iv.,'4th A. C 210 

Seperate Brigade of Etowali 211 

Wind and rain storm in camp.. 211 
Strpitrht returns to the regiment 213 

Military railroad guards 214 

Anonymous correspondence 215 

Letter from a copperliead 216 

The fight at Daltoi^ Georgia ... 218 

Sergeant Weaver wounded 220 

Rep:)rts of tight at Daltf)n 220 

The Nortii Alaliama campaign 222 
Bounty-jumpers— Patrick Ryan 225 
Sihleyl^ wall, Bell, "dog" teiifs.. 231 

The Hood campaign 233 

Sergeant Hurst UMUed 236 

Marching past tlie rebel army.. 237 
Rebel report— slight "obstacle" 239 

The Battle of Franklin 241 

Hond's report of Franklin tiiiht 245 
Just before.the Nashville battle 247 
War songs — Babylon is fallen .. 250 

Co. K in a very warm place 253 

Slemmensand Schultz, 8tli Kas 253 
Battle of Nashville— the i)lau... 254 
Fine work of 6th Ohio Battery.. 258 
Fifty-First takes the salient .'.... 259 
Issuing beef in face of battle,... 261 
Co. G boys capture a battery.... 262 

Battle ofOvertou Hill '. 263 

Terrible death of Lieut. Tait.... 265 



Page 
Joseph rleece and John Wells. 265 

List of killed and wounded 2(56 

Fifty-First and 8th Kansas 267 

Furious assault and repulse 268 

Second assault — enemy routed.. 2(59 
Weird scene amouir the dead... 269 
President congratulates army... 270 

Pursuit of the fieeing rebels 271 

Sad siirht on Franklin field 272 

Duck River— Condiff killed 273 

E.xploits and cordial reception.. 274 
'■After the hall"- Hood's report 276 
Gen. TJiomas rebukes Halleck. 280 
Tribute to "Old Pap" Thomas.. 281 

In Alabama and Teiniessee 283 

1st Brig., 3d Div., 4th A. C 284 

Silver Lake, near Huntsville... 285 

"Battle of Silver Lake" 286 

Fruitless expeiiition — Elk River 287 
News from "Old Bill Sherman" 289 
Capt. Hamilton in command... 290 

(Tood-bye to Alabama 29] 

Experiences on rickety railroad 282 

At New Market, E. Tenn 293 

Major Denny and Capt. Gude.. 293 

Colonel Streight resigns 294 

Bull's Gap and Greenville 295 

News of lice's surrender 297 

Guerrilla Morgan— "like a hog" 297 

"A. John.son, tailor" 298 

Thanksirivin.tr day 2i)9 

President Lincoln's death 299 

Back to Nashville once more... 300 

Our last irrand review 302 

Gen. Thomas' last order 304 

In Camp Harker, Nashville 305 

W. S. Woodsworth drowned ... 305 

Beginning of dissolution 306 

Newspafier corres|)ondents 307 

Collins, King, Fitch detailed ... 308 

Van Home's reason of it all 309 

Off for New Orleans 312 

Substantial gratitude 314 

Arrival at Pachicah— Willich... 315 
Cairo — Down the Mississippi ... 317 

Points on the way 318 

Baton Rouire and New Orleans 321 
Fourth of July— bath in lake... 323 

Ho! for Texas! 325 

Out on the (Julf of Mexico 326 

A gale off (ialveston, 'I'exas 327 

Landing in Matagorda Bay 328 

First immiirrants to Texas 329 

Dying of th.irst 330 

(i'reen Lake— scorcbin;; hot 332 

Victoria — fieas, dirt, vile odors.. 336 
Tarantulas ceiitipeiles scorpions 336 



VI 



FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



Paffe 

Catholocism and journalism 387 

Franco-^Ternian war 338 

Red-liot!— Forward march 339 

A water-spout aiid a freeze 340 

Cure for hard times 341 

Anecdote about Gen. VVillieli... 342 

(;ainp Sahido, San Antonio 343 

The stomach of a Texan 344 

Tlie Alamo — Thermopylfe 344 

"Breaklwne" fever '. 346 

Gen. Wood's farewell order 348 

Tile featiier that hrolie, &c 349 

Rapid disinte.irration 352 

Mustered-out at San Antoino... 353 
Merry Christmas at Indianola.. 354 

To New Orleans and Cairo 354 

By railroad to Indianapolis 355 



Page 

Payed off and discharged 355 

Recapitulation — engagements .. 356 
" campaigns, flags 357 

Adjutant-General's Report 357 

Retrospection 359 

Roster of Fifty-First 361 

Field and StaflT. 361 

Company A 362 

B 367 

" C 371 

D 375 

'• E 379 

" F 383 

" G 387 

" H 391 

I 395 

K 399 



--> — ^ i » n afea;^y>QQa)99 gFi~ ^ ■■ 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Colonel A. D. Streight, 
W. R. Hartpence, (Author,) 
General J. A. Garfield, 
General T. J. Wood, 
Mrs. a. I). Streight, 
LiBBY Prison, 
Governor 0. P. Morton, 
General Geo. H. Thomas. 



Opposite Title. 
" Preface. 
" Page 34. 

" 49. 

•• 80. 

•• 150. 

•' 203. 

" 280. 




Wm. R. Hartpence. 



WHY? 



fO preserve the memory of the experiences through 
which we passed during the great War of the Rebf 

with the record oi our faithfulness to the old flac. ha ren 
resents the superior civilization, intelligence nuri^! T; 
nobility of American institutions the unitrand nISj 
of our Nation, and the unqualified freedom whid> ab^d ' 
in every part of our broad domain ; to provide a readv .nd 
comprehensive summary in chronological order of L or 

Zrr "' f " ?''^'-^"--'' «^S™-' °f I"d-- V un! 
eer Its marches, battles, skirmishes, hardships and most 
hnlhng incidents, which occurred during its long setTce 

IS the object of this book. ^ seiviee , 

the ^hlUJ'^'r!- "'" """ "■'' "''^'''y-^Hht regiments among 
the thousands of distinctive organizations in all the ma., 
nificen armies of the United States, that bore the distht 
guished title of ..Vkt....," which a celebrated writei f 
Originated''' P™""™-^ "the grandest name the war 

This book also demonstrates and defends the title of 
our old commander to the leadership in the wonderful and 
celebrated delivery of Union prisoners from the infam^^ 

lying tongues of envious traducers. 

It lays no claim to literary merit. The story is told in 



Vlll AITIIORS PREFACE. I 

( 

ail easy conversational style ; and is almost purely a colla- 
tion of facts obtained from old letters, personal interviews 
with comrades, and the Official War Records ; and is the 
fruitage of years of labor. If the accuracy of any state'-, 
ment is questioned ; the burden rests upon the authority 
w^hence it originated ; which has always been the very best 
that could be obtained. If its jokes and funny things seem 
to require a "diagram ;" — they were understood and ap- 
preciated by the comrades with whose experiences they are 
associated. TJiey are true! If any comrade fails to find 
proper mention of his own individual exploits, let him turn 
the muzzle of his mud-gun toward himself; for he has been 
besought in many ways, and space would liave been gladly 
given, for scores of incidents no one but themselves knew. 
Comrades : Our marches and encampments are over ; 
our "swords have been beaten into plowshares," and our 
"spears into pruning-hooks ; " and we are endeavoring to 
perpetuate our work of saving the Nation, by strengthen- 
ing the union of our great Republic along the pleasant lines 
of peace. Let us ever preserve the honorable record we 
made during those eventful years ; and add to its luster the 
even more glorious emblazonry of the Cross ; that when we 
are mustered out here, we may be transferred to that com- 
radeship that is eternal and of unfading glory. 

W. R. H. 



Fifty-First Indiana Regiment. 




w 



^HE History of any single regiment engaged in the 
^ji War of the Rebellion, may seem unimportant^ and 

w ir ooc-ir t^i' n rTTU-ni^vl i till m fill f T-^nf flid -iroof TQu5nlfo /->!' 



/wj^ easy of accomplishment. But, the vast results of 
^'' that awful struggle between loyalty and treason de- 
pended on the faithfulness of each individual ; and if a 
record were made of each incident on which the outcome of 
movements of l)oth armies in some way, direct or remote, 
was contingent, "the world itself could not contain tlie 
books that should be written." 

A battle of any considci-able magnitude, is so exten- 
sive, that no one man's descri])(i()ii of it can convev an 
adec{uate idea of wliat it is like. A battle in which from 
25,000 to 45,000 men on each side are engaged, covers an 
immense area of ground, embi'acing usually hills, plains, 
woods and hollows; so that the inovenunits on one ])art of 



Z FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

tlie field may be unseen and unknown to those who fight 
on another part ; the sudden changes in the conflict resem- 
bling tlie shifting scenes of a panorama; in short, no one 
ever saw, nor ever will see, the whole of a battle. For this 
reason, the exact truth about any conflict of our war, or 
any considerable operation, whether on the march or in 
camp, is hard to get, and can only be obtained by taking 
the statements of a large number of reliable }:)ersons who 
were actually present ; and even then great care and dis- 
cretion must be observed in harmonizing the various state- 
ments, keeping in mind the fact that each witness made 
his observation from a difl'erent standpoint, and that dif- 
ferences as to details may refer to difl'erent situations on 
the same field. The account of any soldier is of value, 
according to his reliability for accuracy and veracity. 

No State in the Union was more prompt in furnishing 
men and money than was Indiana, nor no troops more 
faithful, zealous and true. Many of the most noted gene- 
rals of the War went from Indiana. There were Wallace, 
Hovey, Davis, Meredith, Reynolds, Kimball, Crittenden, 
Foster, Cruft, Harrow, Colgrove, Miller, Cameron, Veach, 
Coburn, Hascall, Wilder, Grose and many others. There 
were besides, ten thousand in the ranks, equally capable, 
splendid fighters, and only lacking the opportunity. 

The success that attended the Union forces during the 
first few months, in which some Indiana regiments figui-ed 
somewhat favorably, caused a general impression that the 
war was about over, and the Union was saved. The Bull 
Run disaster, however, convinced every intelligent citizen 
of the great need of more soldiers, and of the fact that the 
Rebellion was not going to be "put down in ninety days." 
As the })hjviating confidence of the South increased, the 
faith of the North weakened. Treasonable organizations 
sprang up among our own homes , and discouraging letters 
from relatives and neighbors flooded the mails . In all this 
disheartenment, Governor O. P. Morton never lost his self- 



THE ORGANIZATION. 3 

possession, nor his confidence in tlie ultimate subjugation 
of the traitors. This lie sought continually to impart to 
his soldiers, whom he never distrusted, and who loved and 
honored him with a devotion never accorded by them to 
any other man. 

The three months' regiments were reorganized for the 
three years' service ; and the winter of 1861-62 found most 
of them in the field. 

It is quite impossible, at this distance from tlie War, 
when a large majority of those who lived till the close, and 
were discharged with the regiment, have "passed over the 
river," and are now mustered with the "silent majority," 
and the records in the Adjutant General's office at Indian- 
apolis have been so thoroughly destroyed or scattered, to 
obtain even a brief biographical sketch of anything like a 
considerable number of the comrades, if there were room 
in our limited space to insert them in these pages. Wliat- 
ever is omitted must be supplied as well as may be from 
the Adjutant General's Report. 

At the request of Governor Morton, Abel D. Streight, 
a book publisher in Indianapolis, recruited the Fifty-First 
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He was commissioned 
Colonel of this regiment, September 4, 1861, and the regi- 
ment was organized in Indianapolis, Octol)er 11, tliougli it 
was not mustered in until December 14. Colonel Streight 
was joined on September 27, by J. G. Doughty, a printer 
of Indianapolis , who was commissioned Quartermaster ; 
and October 9, V)y Wm. H. Colescott, of Shelby ville, com- 
missioned Majoi'. October 11, nearly all of the original 
line officers were commissioned, their date of mustei' being 
December 14, with a few exceptions. Benj. .J. S])o()n(M-, of 
Lawrenceburg, was the first Lieut. -Colonel of the Fifty- 
First, the date of his commission being December 4, 1861. 
He [resigned June 16, 1862, to accept a commission as 
Colonel of the 83d Indiana. He was a bi-ave and efficient 
officer, and led his command galhmtly through many hot 



4 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

conflicts ; losing an arm in the bloody cliarge on Kenesaw 
Mountain, Georgia, on the morning of June 27, 1864. 

Company A was made up cliiefly from North Salem 
and Brownsburg, in Hendricks county, with a few from 
eacli of the towns of Pittsboro, Danville and Lebanon. 

Company B was made up mostly in Newton county, 
Kent Station furnishing the largest number, and Morocco, 
Freedom, Pilot Grove and Indianapolis furnished each a 
small number. 

C'Ompany C found most of its members in Hendricks 
county ; New Winchester, Brownsburg, Lizton and Pitts- 
boro furnishing the bulk of them. 

Company D I'esulted from general work in Hancock 
and Johnson counties ; Greenfield, Fairfield and Franklin 
supplying the greater nuinber. 

Company E secured its complement chiefly in Knox 
and Brown counties; Vincennes, Wheatland, Nashville, 
Bruceville, Oaktown and Busseron contributing in propor- 
tion with the order of their mention. 

Company F went out from Shelby county ; Shelbyville 
sending at least one-half; while Morristown, Marion, Fair- 
land and Marietta were all well represented ; with a small 
contingent from Indianapolis. 

Company G was made up in Peru, Miami county ; and 
in addition to the regimental band, fully one-half of that 
company went from that city. There was also a fair rep- 
resentation from Mexico, in the same county, and from the- 
city of Logansport. 

Company H found one-half of its members in Bruce- 
ville, Knox county ; the balance being about equally made 
up from Vincennes, Wheatland and Edwardsport, in the 
same county. 

Company I drew chiefly for its make-ui) on the south- 
ern part of Hancock county, and the nortliern j^art of 
Shelby county ; London and Fairland contributing the 
major part, with a fair donation from Indianapolis. 



"three hundred thousand M(»KE." 5 

Company K was a sort of ''ground-hog necessity" to 
the completion of the regiment, and brought together some 
of the best soldiers from every part of the State ; Putnam, 
Hancock and Knox counties making the best showing in 
numbers; especially Oak Station, in Knox; with six or 
eight from each of the towns of Greenfield, Carpentersville, 
Curry ville, Wheatland and Linton. Many of these served 
in the 7th Indiana Regiment, in the three months' service. 

Eacli company had more or less from every part of the 
State ; Company H l)eing the nearest to an exception, and 
Company I ])eing badly scattered. It is possible that this 
fact created a necessity for each to stand by the other, that 
ripened into a fraternity that was not excelled, and rarely 
equalled, by any other regiment in the field. 

When the Pi-esident called for 300,000 more men, the 
heart of every loyal Hoosier leaped, and his patriotic zeal 
w^as inflamed to an almost passionate eagerness to enlist. 
Hundreds of fathers and mothers, in selfish affection, had 
exacted a promise from dutiful sons, before leaving home, 
that they would not enlist without their parents' consent. 
But the sounds of the fife and drum, and the glare of brass 
buttons shut out all other sounds and sights, drowned the 
voice of filial duty, and swept the boys clear oft" of their 
feet. The blue uniform, with its warlike belongings, were 
simph " resistible. When the word went liome that the 
boy 1; d enlisted, a season of grief swei^t over the family, 
and their hearts were torn as tliough death had suddenly 
entered the fold. But witli a i)hilosophy lK)rn of patriot- 
ism, the father took up the son's burden on the farm or in 
the shop ; while mother and sister, who could not go to 
war, found many ways to help at home. They too buckled 
on the armor, and were faithful tlirough all the ten-il)]e 
ordeal. Among sweetheai'ts there was a sudden crystal- 
lization of love that years of "lulling and cooing" could 
not have accomplished. 

The cause of the war, and its progress up to the date 



6 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

of tlie enlistment of the Fifty-First Indiana, is passed over, 
as well as the individual experience of each comrade in 
leaving liome and joining the regiment, as such details 
would be quite voluminous, and would possess little inte- 
rest to the average reader. Very few of the old boys are 
left to read this, and it must be comprehensive enough to 
interest others. 

We were all burning with eagerness to encounter the 
rebels ; and the Union army was only awaiting our arrival 
to settle the matter at once and for all. Everything and 
everybody were at high pressure ; and the best blood of the 
State was concentrated in the northeast part of Indianap- 
olis, on the commons adjoining Prof. R. T. Brown's home, 
the camp line bounded on the west and south by Central 
and Christian Avenues. 

When the wi'iter arrived at Indianapolis, in the fall of 
1861, he applied to W. R. Holloway, who was at that time 
Governor Morton's private secretary. The two young men 
had been printer apprentices in the same tow^n, and the 
fresh aspirant for military honors and experiences relied 
greatly on the private secretary's judgment in directing 
him to the exact spot where glory awaited him, and where 
his valuable services were most needed, and would be best 
appreciated. The recruit was introduced as the new drum 
major ; but as there was no special use for such a luxurious 
adornment, and the regulations didn't call for it, he soon 
found his name on the roll among the H's, in the regular 
way, and was paired off with Rev. Wm. Hancock, a sort of 
back number, who had figured among the Center township 
worshipers as a local exhorter, and who soon found a place 
in a hospital, and finally in the Corps d'Afrique. 

It is quite impossible to describe the transformation 
from the condition of an ordinary citizen to that of a full- 
fledged soldier ; how we stood before the brilliant young 
West Pointer, Major T. J. Wood, and worked our arms, 
wriggled our fingers, champed our teeth and marched back 



IN CAMP STREIGHT. 7 

and forth a few paces, to demonstrate our physical perfec- 
tion. It is a pity the Pension Department could not have 
been there . It would have saved a great deal of trouble in 
hunting up evidence they might have gathered there in a 
few minutes. Then we held up our hands and were sol- 
emnly sworn to defend ''the Constitution and the flag." 
The climax of our fondest dreams was reached when we 
donned the blue uniform, and stood in the full panoply of 
war . 

CAMP "STREIGHT." 

One of our first experiences was a visit from our home 
folks, who were accompanied by huge baskets loaded with 
bread, roast beef, chicken, cake, butter, pies, doughnuts 
and jellies. They were always welcomed with yells of de- 
light, and were saluted with yells on their departure. All 
the boys were well provided with lungs, and it seemed as 
natural for them to yell at everything that excited them, 
as it was to breathe or eat. 

Our camp was a model of regularity. Each day the 
quarters were carefully policed, and our bunks, resembling 
mortar-beds filled with straw, were well aired and "made 
down." Our parlor, kitchen and bedroom furniture par- 
took of the same elegance and convenience, being selected 
more for use than ornamentation. 

We had a continual and burning desire to perfect our- 
selves in the manual of arms, and a terrible concern about 
the exact position of our feet, in our military maneuvers. 
There was also a consuming dread lest the war would be 
over before we had an opportunity to exhibit (»iir prowess. 
We got over all this in time. 

OUR FIRST REVIEW. 

On Thursday, November 21, the Fifty-First took part 
in a grand review in Military Park, a few squares north- 
west of the State House. There w^ere eight regiments of 
infantry, one thousand cavalry and two batteries of light 



8 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

artilk'iy. Tlie Fifty-First received praise for its splendid 
appearance and for the best drill. We were very proud of 
this ; but our souls were far from happy. We yearned for 
scenes of carnage, and would not be comforted. But it 
came at last. 

LEAVING INDIANAPOLIS. 

At 4: 35 p. M., Monday, December 16, 1861, we left 
Indianapolis for "the front." One train carried the bag- 
gage, horses and wagons, and two other trains carried the 
soldiers. The LidiatKtpoUfi Jovrnal of next morning had 
the following : 

"Tlie people of Indianapolis have never seen a more complete mili- 
tary pageantry than that exhibited in our streets yesterday. Early in 
the day the olst regiment, Col. Streight, struck tents in the northern 
part of the city, and marched in true army style to trains on the Madi- 
son and Indianapolis Railroad, which were in waiting to convey thorn 
to the Ohio River, over which, ]r)j steamboat, they expect to be conveyed 
to Louisyille or some other prominent point in Kentucky. The regi- 
ment marched in complete order, and elicited the admiration of every- 
body. It has always been justly credited for sobriety, and its movements 
were marked b3^ that decorum which is ever characteristic of good and 
true men. The regfment marched in solid columns through our streets 
to the depot, followed by its baggage wagons and the guard detailed to 
pick up stragglers. It got aboard the cars in good order, and departed 
without any unnecessary fuss or parade. 

The departure of Col. .Streight's infantry was more warlike, 

systematic and business like in appearance than any demonstration 
heretofore witnessed in this city. We accent tliis display as an evidence 
tliat the art of war is being rapidly learned by our people, and that those 
who have had an opportunity of practising it, even on the peaceful and 
unstained fields of Indiana, have so far progressed as to be able to do 
efFectiv'e and substantial service as soon as opportunity offers." 

At Franklin, we were delayed an hour, during wliicli 

we were surrounded on tlie platform by scores of beautiful 

girls, to whom the boys immediately made love, and then 

left the darlings in sadness and tears. Our trip was free 

from mishaps, and was attended with much pleasure. We 

reached North Madison about 11 o'clock that night, and 

disembarked from the cars. The moon shone brightly, 

and the night was lovely. Mr. Branham, superintendent 



EN ROUTE FOR "DIXIK." 9 

of the railroad, conducted U8 from tlie toj) of tlic incliiio 
to the wharf, where we arrived about 2 o'clock next nioi'ii- 
ing. In the meantime the baggage train was I'un down the 
incline. 

EN ROUTE FOR "DIXIE." 

At Madison we embarked on the steamers "City of 
Madison" and "Lancaster," the riglit wing occupying the 
former, and the left wing the latter. The eciuipage, con- 
sisting of 65 horses and 35 wagon loads of quartermaster's 
stores, was stowed among the decks of the vessels. At 3 
p. M. we were ready, and sailed for Louisville. We had 
gone but a short distance, before the fog became so dense, 
that we were obliged to lay to until nearly 9 o'clock in the 
morning of the 18th, when it cleared away, and we arrived 
at Louisville at 12 : 30. 

In three hours we were prepared for the march. By 
that time several thousands of citizens had gathered, to 
welcome us to their city, and many were the invitations to 
supper. There were also many solicitations from promi- 
nent citizens, to march through certain parts of the city ; 
but it was decided to take the shortest route to the camp. 
This took us through the center of the city foi' nearly two 
miles, during which there was one continued ovation, flags 
and handkerchiefs waving, and cheers ringing fi'om every 
side. We halted just below town ; naming our fii'st camp 
on the enemy's soil, after Adjutant Ramsey. 

On the way, a comrade of Co. F, contemplating our 
hospitable recej)tion, exclaimed, "By gracious I we are on 
the enemy's soil ! I'd like to see a live rebel." Instantly 
a full-muscled dame of near two hundred weight strode to 
the front, and cracking her fist, replied, "Well, sir, here's 
one ; what do you want?" His curiosity was satisfied. 

Next morning we were assigned to Gen. E. Dumont's 
brigade. Department of the Ohio. Everybody was drilling 
vigorously ; and it was confidently expected that in less 
than forty hours we would be in the very heat of battle 



10 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Our camp presented a very military appearance that 
first morning in "Dixie." The monster Sibley tents were 
spread out in all their conical symmetry, while the various 
designs drawn on them with charcoal, gave undoubted in- 
dication of the bloodthirsty warriors congregated beneath 
their shelter. There were such inscriptions as "Bengal 
Tigers," "Bull Pups," "Wild Cats," and a score of other 
names, equally terrifying. 

The first evening, the regimental band went to town 
and serenaded George D. Prentice, editor of the Journal, 
for which they received distinguished mention next day. 

SWEARING THEM IN. 

The bravery of some of the boys was equaled only by 
their impudence. The next morning, as soon as it was 
known where we were going, and while the stars were still 
twinkling in the sky, Logan Russell, 0. F. Brown and J. 
P. Smith, the Tennessee mountaineer, started on, with a 
view to foraging, (for that spirit manifested itself in some 
at the very start,) and for whatever experience they might 
encounter. They soon met a lot of milk-and-water rebels, 
whom they asked if they were "Union" or "secesh." 

"Neutral," was the reply. 

"Here," said Russell, "we are the advance guard of 
twenty thousand Union soldiers ; we want you to holler for 
Lincoln." 

" , no ; we cMn 't do thet . ' ' 

Three guns came down promptly, and their muzzles 
were directed straight at the "neutrals." With firm tone, 
Logan then said : 

' ' Holler for Lincoln ! Hats off ! " 

In very feeble voices came "Hurraw fer Lincoln !" 

"Louder!" shouted the Union leader. 

"Hurratu fer Lincoln!" jelled the Kentuckians ; after 
which they were permitted to pass. 

When the command came up that night, our heroes 



ON TO BARDSTOWN. 11 

received a reprimand that kept them in ranks ever after. 

That day we marched out ten miles on the Bardstown 
13ike, campinu; in a lovely grove. As we went to supper, a 
good Union lady, who had been considerably enthused by 
the music, as we filed off of the road into camp, sent over 
a jug of milk for the band. There were among the l)and 
two violins, a flute and clarinet. With the addition of a 
cornet and tenor horn, this sextette made a very creditable 
orchestra; and an hour or two after supper, they went to 
the house and serenaded the family. They were invited 
in, and enjoyed a rare treat of cakes, pies and raspberry 
cordial. After leaving the residence, they were followed 
out to the ''big road" by a number of darkies, who were 
nearly wild for some music ; and when the orchestra began 
to play, they began to dance, keeping it up for some time, 
and describing some of the most fantastic figures. 

On Saturday, March 21, we marched 21 miles, going 
through Mt, Washington and Bardstown, proceeding to 
Camp "Spooner," (or Cump "Mud," as some called it,) 
three miles east of the latter town. 

As we marched down the main street of Bardstown, a 
soldier seeing a little darkey, with his head stuck over the 
gate, inquired if he could get some milk ; at the same time 
presenting his canteen and a dime . 

"Deedy yo kin," replied the boy; and grasping both 
canteen and money, he disappeared like a flash ; returning 
in a very short time with the milk, which the soldier took 
with that confidence that was universally reposed in the 
loyalty of the negro. This soldier had been raised in tlie 
city, and had not acquired a fondness for buttermilk. So, 
when he discovered the contents of his canteen, lie iiiadt' a 
remark that would not do to put in here. His captain, 
who had served in Mexico, advised him to cork his vial of 
wrath, and his canteen also, till both were needed. Along 
toward night, when he got very thirsty, that buttermilk 
tasted delicious ; and from that time on lie has been verv 



12 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

fond of that refreshing beverage . This does not apply to 
everything we learned to eat or drink in the army. 

A heavy rain fell on Sunday, making it exceedingly 
difficult to get about. Here we experienced our first real 
hardship ; but we did not stay long, moving on Tuesday, 
to the farm of Mr. Grigsby, where we fared much better, 
receiving every attention that gentleman and his wife and 
handsome young daughter, Ella, could bestow. 

Next day, Wednesday, was Christmas. How little we 
thought that we should pass the fifth anniversary of that 
holiday on the stormy beach at the southern extremity of 
far away Texas. Shortly after going into camp, one of the 
boys captured a 'possum, which we skinned and roasted 
for breakfast next morning. "Possum fat am good." 

THE ARMY OVEN. 

At this point our quartermaster furnished us with an 
army oven , a sort of sheet-iron box on wheels ; that doubt- 
less netted the inventor a good round sum, but ought to 
have sent him to a penitentiary. It was a most withering 
failure and a fraud. It never was on hand when needed ; 
and when it did appear, it was so rusty and dirty, that it 
would have turned the stomach of a william-goat. Our 
headquarters cook, Charley, roasted the 'possum for us, 
and made one or two batches of biscuits in our oven ; and 
we never saw it afterwards. 

Although flour was rarely issued, we got some occa- 
sionally." Then we would have biscuits and pies, baked in 
the skillet-oven, or flapjacks, made in the frying-pan. In 
this latter exercise, we acquired great skill in turning the 
broad disks of leathery batter in the air, seldom miscalcu- 
lating the distance one of them would gravitate while it 
described a half-revolution. 

NO TWO WATCHES AGREE. 

While we were camped at this place, the writer was 
sent to town on an errand, his pass being good till 4 p. m. 



TWENTIETH BRIGADE. HALL's GAP. 13 

As no two watches came anywhere near agreeing, and the 
corporal of the patrol that overtook him on his way out of 
town, having his watch fifteen minutes too fast, the writer 
was marched down to the jail, where he might have stayed 
all night, but for the kindness of his keeper, who took him 
across the street to General Wood, commanding the post, 
who released the prisoner, and rebuked the patrol. 

On New Year's day, we left our friendly camp, on the 
Grigsby farm, marching through Bardstown, to "Camp 
Morton," about four miles south. Our command was now 
known as ''20th Brigade, Dej)artment of the Ohio," Col. 
J. W. Forsythe, 64th Ohio, commanding, and consisted of 
the 64th and 65th Ohio, 51st Indiana and 3d Kentucky. 
As we passed through town, Mrs. Grigsby was standing on 
one of the principal corners, waving us farewell, while her 
eyes were flooded with tears. 

The first soldier buried by our regiment in the honors 
of war, was probably Sebron S. Jones, a musician in Co. 
D, whose remains were conveyed in solemn procession to a 
spot near Bardsto^vai, some time during the first week in 
January. No data can be found for positive identification. 

The following order was received : 

f " Hdqrs. Dept, of the Ohio, 
l Louisville, Ky., Jan. 16, 18G2. 
Brig. Gen. T J. \N odd, Commanding at Bardstown : 

Sir — T)ie general commanding desires to have the 
road from Danville to .Somerset put in good order, and for this purpose 
he assigns you to the duty, and to tlie command of the troops to be 
engaged in it. Proceed to Lebanon, move with the 20th Brigade, Col, 
Forsythe commanding, and begin from Danville. 1000 axes, 1000 picks, 
500 shovels, 500 spades are ordered sent to Col. Forsythe from liere to- 
day, and will reach him to-morrow. The 21st Brigade, Col. Carr com- 
manding, will be under your command. He is impressed with 
the importance of the work, as the supply of troops depends on the early 
completion of the road. The road must be corduroyed, with logs to 
make a species of puncheon floor, not less than 16 feet wide. (.en. 
Thomas has orders to work in like manner on the Somerset end. It is 
hoped it will not occupy more than ten days. Draw supplies from Leb- 
anon. James B. Fkv, Chief of Staff." 



14 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RECxIMENT. 

A letter from Buell to Tliomas, Jan. 17, says, "Wood, 
with tliree regiments is building the road from Danville." 
Again, on the same day, Buell to Wood, "Ray's regiment 
(49th Indiana,) is put under Wood's command, to work 
on the road." We broke camp on the following Monday, 
passing through Bardstown to a pretty little knoll about 
six miles from that town, covered with lovely cedars. The 
next day, about 9 o'clock, we started from there, marching 
slowly all day, making fourteen miles, and camping just 
below Springfield, on a finely wooded farm, with plenty of 
water, above and below, a drenching rain pouring down as 
we put up our tents. Next day we proceeded to Lebanon, 
in a continuous drizzle of rain, going into camp a mile 
from town, feeling more like drowned rats, than proud and 
gallant soldiers. Next morning was cold and clear, the 
bright sunshine affording an opportunity to dry ourselves 
out. Many of us went to town, and had a "picnic." On 
Tuesday, the 21st, we marched fifteen miles, and as many 
more the next day ; camping in sight of the residence of 
Colonel Fry, the hero of Somerset, with whose family the 
writer spent the evening in a delightful manner. Eleven 
miles more brought us to Stanford, next day, and the day 
following we halted three miles below. Next day, which 
was Friday, we marched four miles, to where our next date 
is made. 

hall's gap. 

Januai'v 2f), 1862, we were on the mountain, at Hall's 
Gap, seven miles south of Stanford, Ky., building cordu- 
roy I'oad, in almost unfathomable mud, in order for the 
advance of our troops, to take part in the battle at Somer- 
set, in which the rebel Zollicofi'er was killed. Col. Streight 
was in command of four regiments, and superintended the 
work. We cut down the huge chestnut trees, that were 
abundant there, quartered the'm, and laid them in 16-foot 
lengths across the road. Our boys amused themselves in 
the meantime making pipes and trinkets of the laurel root. 



MRS. BRIDGE WATER. TO MUNFORDSVILLE . 15 

which also abounded. Many of our boys had the measles, 
and many were troubled with diarrhoea, of which latter 
disease some died. Flour was issued to us, which we took 
to the citizens' houses, and liad baked into biscuits, whicli 
was payed for with coffee. 

At this place a man named Rains, of the 19th Ken- 
tucky, died and was buried near his liome at tlie foot of 
the mountain. 

From February 1, to April 30, we were known as the 
6th Division. From here dates indiscriminate '* foraging" 
also. Here Mrs. Bridge water's servant, a snaggly quad- 
roon, brought pies, turkeys, etc., of which Jim Douglas, 
of the band, bought an immense stack, paying for tliem 
with a $5 note on the N. W. Railroad Bank of New York, 
as pretty money as you ever saw, and giving Jesse Zern 
Csutler*,") as surety for its redemption. 

Returning to Lebanon, February 12, the entire regi- 
ment was vaccinated ; there being smallpox in the town. 
We left Charles Holden, of Co. I, with congestion of the 
lungs, at Stanford, where he died. 

Buell to Mitcliell— Feb. 13, 1862: "Wood will have his division at 
Munfordsville to-morrow." 

Wood to Fry — Feb. 14, 1862: "Some regiments have been waitnig 
at the depot [Munfordsville] nearly 24 hours; one train was detained two 
hours at. the Junction ; 4 regiments have gone, and 5 are now embark- 
ing; impossible to send the remaining two before to-morrow." 

iJuell to McClellan— Feb. 15, 1862: "Wood's, a raw division, 
reaches Green River to-day." 

Buell to McCook— Feb. 15, 1862: " Tlie three batteries of Nelson's 
division leave with Wood's division at Munfordsville." 

We arrived at Munfordsville, a mean looking village 

of 300 inhabitants, February 14, by railroad, through most 

picturesque country. Here we experienced our first great 

distress, from snow and rain. Dumped from the box cars 

unceremoniously at night, into the snow, without fuel or 

shelter, exposed to the inclement weatlier, it was one of 

the most distressful experiences of our army service. The 

train stood on the track there all night ; and it is inexpli- 



10 FIFTY-FTKST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

cable why our inexperienced boys were not permitted to 
occupy tliem. Many of tlie boys next day visited the ruin 
of the bridge, and the battle-ground where Willich's 32d 
Indiana fought the Texas i-angers under Buckner. Kettle 
says of this figlit : 

"On December 17, four companies of the 32d lu'liana, thrown out in 
advance of Munfordsville, on the Louisville & Nashville Road, 42 miles 
north of Bowling Green, encountered a party of Texan Rangers, who 
cliarged them, and were received with a sharp Are. The infantry were 
then ordered to rally on an adjoining wood. In the act they were 
charged by the Texan horsemen, and a desperate hand-to-hand encoun- 
ter ensued, the Indianians making use of their sword bayonets. They 
soon gained tlie woods, when the Texans fled, leaving many dead, 
including their colonel, upon the field. The P'ederal loss was 13 killed, 
and as many woundetl." 

There is probably a mistake here, as Col. Willich took 
two other companies of his own regiment and went to the 
relief of the two already engaged. Besides this, they did 
not get to the wood, l)ut formed a hollow square in open 
field, and finally repulsed the enemy. The Fifty-First got 
there just in time to be too late, and occupied the deserted 
cami) of tlie o'id, on the east side of the railroad, taking 
])ossession of several barrels of sour krout, that had been 
issued to Willich's dutch regiment, and deserted by them 
when they went into tlie fight with the Texans. On the 
o])posite'side of the I'aih-oad lay a battery, principally coni- 
l)osed of Germans, who, observing our desolate condition, 
divided several camp-kettles of delicious soup with us ; for 
wliich we have ever since been grateful. Possibly the gen- 
erous fellows, by sharing with us, liad to go without their 
next meal, or at least to reduce their allowance materially. 

Tlie railroad was torn up to Bowling Green, and on 
the evening of February 28 our regiment was sent forward 
wdth the wagons, to get tliem up the mountain side, four 
or five miles below. That night, during a temporary halt 
of several hours, a company of us visited Osceola Cave, 
a branch of the Mammoth. We were in fine spirits once 
more, as we had news of the capture of Fort Donelson, 



EUCHRE AND SEVEN-Ul'. 17 

and we loiciv then tliat tlie war was certainly about over. 

At least 99 per cent, of Union soldiers knew nothing 
of card-playing' before entei'inii; the service. It came to all 
as a positive necessity, and was as generous and edifying 
to the moral and mental manhood, as coffee was to the 
physical. 'This habit did not take precedence of every- 
thing else, but with many was alternated with reading the 
testament. It was simply a diversion to vary the weary 
monotony of camp life, and by nearly all was discontinued 
soon after their return home. It was <|uite common to see 
a little testament in the blouse pocket, but rarely a pack of 
cards ; and just before a battle those who had cards, would 
throw them away. 

As we did not often hear chui'ch-bells, and we could 
not well carry calenders, it frequently occurred that we did 
not know what day of the week it w^as. At the close of a 
march one day, two members of a ''mess" whose duty was 
to get wood and water, hastened to perform their task, and 
then sat down to rest on a log ; and to make it more I'est- 
ful, one of them produced a deck of cards, and soon tliey 
were deep in the mystery of euchre. Just then one of the 
unregenerate passed, and obsei'ving tlie game, said to one 
of the playei's : 

"Why, I thought you was a ('hi'istian." 

' ' Well , that 's all righ t ; what o ' th at ? " 

"Do you know what day this is?" 

"No ; do you?" 

"Yes, it's Sunday; n' 1 didn't think your chui-cli 
'lowed that." 

It didn't either; and the soldici-, wlio was vci-y con- 
scientious, was so mortified at liis desecration of the Loi'd's 
Dav, that he bi'okc off ])laying cards from that moiiK'nt. 

WHO STOLE THE SHEEP? 

About February 2.'*), 1<SH2. oui- command arrived at a 
])oint five miles noi'tlieast of ]>o\\ ling ( Jrecn . During tlie 



1<S 



FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



jifternooii a flock of nice looking sheep were seen grazing 
in a meadow adjoining our camp ; and as we had been 
quite shoi-t of meat for several days, we thought of what a 
delicious stew a. piece of mutton would make. That same 
night a forage scpiad was made up of small details from 
several companies, under Capt. Sheets, and, accompanied 
by Quartermaster Doughty, we visited a mill, a few miles 
away, where we obtained a quantity of flour and meal. 
On the return the boys scattered out somewhat, in search 
of stray chickens and other game. One squad captured a 
nice hog, and got into camp without being detected ; and, 
although patrols searched the quarters of the entire n'egi- 
ment for it, no trace was found ; the hide and refuse being 
effectually buried out of sight, and the meat divided and 
safely packed in haversacks. Another squad surrounded 
the flock of sheep mentioned above, and ran them up and 
down the meadow three or four times, with fixed bayonets, 
when, impatient of failure, one of the boys let go a shot 
from a huge revolver, that brought down one of the sheep, 
but woke everybody up for miles around. As this occurred 
a little before midnight, the camp guard was naturally 
alarmed ; and the patrol soon came sailing over the brow 
of the plateau above camp, in quest of the culi)rits ; who, 
seeing the mischief they had 'gotten into, hastened to plan 
a means of escape. ''I have it," said the one who had 
shot ; "we are patrols. Let me do the talking, now ; come 
on!" and they started on a dead run toward the patrols. 

"Did you see which way tliey went?" inquired the 
shooter, of the corporal of the patrols. 

"No, we didn't." 

"Well, you go over that way," pointing an opposite 
direction from camp, "and we will go around this way, 
and head them oft'." 

Away both squads flew, the Fifty-First boys taking the 
shortest possil)le cut into camp ; leaving their dead on the 
field. While thev were cona-ratulatina" themselves on their 



WHO STOLE THE SHEEP? 19 

■escape, and about to separate to go to their (piarters, tliey 
encountered the officer of tlie day. After questioning, tliem 
a little, lie told them to go on in ; Ijut obsei-ving the brig- 
ade commander standing in front of his tent, on the knoll 
above, watching the proceedings, he countermanded his 
order, and sent the Iwys up to headquarters. The com- 
mander exhausted his list of synonyms for thieves and 
rascals, and then ordered the little band of martyrs to the 
guard-house, where they stood up until morning; as the 
prison was an unditched tent, and the rain, which began 
to fall soon after, rendered any othei" position next to im- 
possible. In the morning the boys were sent to theii- own 
regiment, and confined in a closed tent, while the pa])ers 
were made out for their court-martial. 

Among the incongruous collection tliat night, of solids 
and liquids, Herman Buchthal, our German delegate from 
Co. E, had secured a fine hen. When the patrol swooped 
down on the squad of foragers, he quickly stuffed it under 
a cavalry jacket he had on. He had no opportunity that 
night, nor all the next day, to get rid of it, so it stayed in 
there till the boys were released on parole at night, that 
they might sleep in their own quarters. All through the 
day there was frequent incjuiry, "where does that infernal 
smell come from?" When they learned that it was Buch- 
thal's chicken, they wanted to kill him. 

On the second morning, a discovery was made by one 
of our boys, on duty at brigade headquarters, who, as soon 
as he was relieved, reported to the company officers of tlie 
boys under arrest. The officers proceeded to Col. Harker's 
headquarters, and in the rear of his tent, under a fly occu- 
pied by his cook , they found a nicely dressed sheep hung ; 
very likely the same that had been shot ])y tlie foragers. 
It did not take long to arouse the commanding officer from 
his sleep, and escort him to the cook's tent ; where after a 
])rief parley, in which the company officers used some very 
uncomplimentary language, an unconditional release was 



20 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REC^MENT. 

secured for tlie prisoners ; to the great relief of all parties 
concerned . 

TIT FOR TAT. 

This was not the end of the joke, howevei". Colonel 
Harker had been accustomed, when visiting the various 
camps, to ignore guard lines ; and this privilege had been 
accorded him as a matter of respect for his position . The 
next time he rode over on his fine dapple grey, and made 
an attempt to cross, a sentinel first saluted him as became 
his rank, and as he neared the line, ordered him to halt. 

"Why, what does this mean?" exclaimed the astonished 
officer, who, although he was a highly-disciplined captain 
from West Point, very much preferred the easy go-as-you- 
please style of the Western soldiers. 

''It means for you to halt," replied the guard. 

"Well, well ! I'll see about this !" rejoined the officer, 
as he drew rein to ride away. At this, the guard l)rought 
his gun down to a "ready," as he cried "Halt!" 

More astonished than ever, the officer brought up with 
a jerk, and inquired with uncontrolled anger, what such 
conduct meant. The soldier gave him no further reply, 
but at once called out, "Corporal of the guard — beat num- 
ber — !" Instantly the corporal came running to the post 
indicated ; after a short whispei'ed conversation witli the 
sentinel, he took the horse's bit, and led him clear ai'ound 
the line to the gate, (an imaginary inclosure and opening, 
familiar to every soldier,) and proceeding to the tent of 
Colonel Streight, ))ivsented the crestfallen rider as "a man 
that had tried to cross tlie guard-line." A hearty laugh 
was Colonel Streight 's reply, as he dismissed the corporal, 
and invited tlie officer to dismount and go in ; where it was 
fully impressed on his mind that our regiment "had it in 
for him," as we say in this day, for his arrogant manner 
toward them ; that they were not thieves nor rascals, and 
that knowing their rights, they would not hesitate to main- 
tain them. Fi-om that on, the Fifty-First had no better 



BOWLING GREEN, KV. 21 

friend than the little colonel, who was afterwards promoted 
to be brigadier general, and fell at the battle of Kenesaw 
Mountain, Ga., June 27, 1864, gallantly leading his brig- 
ade in that famous charge. 

Why Col. Harker held command over Col. Streight, 
though, is not yet clear, as Streight's commission dated 
2 months and 7 days prior to Harker 's. 

ARRIVAL AT BOWLING GREEN. 

A report by Brig. Gen. O. Mitchell, commanding 3d 

Div., Dept. of the Ohio, dated Feb. 15, 18(32, says : 

" The juivaiice guard of Col. Turchiii's brigade under cover of artil- 
lerj' effected a passage of the river (at Bowling Green,) during 

tlie night, by means of a large flat'ioat, which was found by our scouts 
during the afternoon, at a flouring mill about four miles below the town 
of Bowling Green. The advance guard, accompanied by a detachment 
of Col. Kennett's cavalry, supported by three regiments of a reserve from 
the main body, marched upon the town, and entered without finding an 
enemy at 5 o'clock this morning." 

All could not be accommodated on the flatboat, many 
having to wade. The stream was deep at that point, but 
there were places that could be forded. It was found ne- 
cessary to bundle up our clothes and carry them over our 
heads on our bayonets. The little fellows fared l)adly, but 
they were generally plucky, and plunged through boldly. 
Occasionally one slipped and flopped under. The boys 
all yelled, but the next one to him grabbed him and held 
him up. All got through safely, but all got chilled to the 
bone ; and many a, death resulted from disease occasioned 
by this. The victim usually joined in the jests, and soon 
forgot his misfortune. 

The victory at this place was a bloodless one. Many 
buildings had been destroyed by fire. The depot was also 
fired by the citizens, although an effort was made by the 
artillery to drive them from the place. 

Rebel Gen. A. S. Johnston's report, dated at Nash- 
ville, Feb. 18, 1862, says: 

"The corps under the command of Maj. Gen. Hardee completed the 



22 FIFTV-FII{ST INDIANA KK<;IMENT. 

evacuation of Bowiiiijj; (Ti-eeii on the 14th in.st., and the rear-guanl 
crossed the Cumberland at tliis nohit yesterday morning in good order." 

Col. Stveight wrote home February 28, 18G2, "We 
consider the relx^llion broke in this part of country. I 
liave no (loul)t our arniy will be able to march all over 
the Southern States within the next three months." We 
all enjoyed perfect confidence in the same beautiful fic- 
tion. We only missed it about three yeai's and a half. 

Surt:;eon Collins had been very ill for some time, and 
scarcely expected to live ; but he recovered at Danville, 
Ky., thoujjh unable for a long time to join the regiment. 

THE STTTLER. 

The paytn aster had not been around yet, and it was 
pretty hard on the officers. The sutler was delighted and 
happy, however, as many of them were compelled to buy 
his stufi', at three oi- four prices. For their convenience, 
the "skinner," as the sutler was called through the entire 
army, issued checks, with the amount printed on them, 
that were good for so much money on pay-day. And the 
"skinner" always managed to be on hand on that momen- 
tous occasion ; and his claim was always satisfied, before 
the soldier got the pittance that fell to his lot. Naturally 
enough the sutler was despised by every soldier, and many 
a trick was played on him, many a raid made on his stuff, 
when by accident the wagon upset, or an attack was made 
that rendered it necessary to abandon the supply train . 
The boys always filled up from the sutler's stock first. 

MtLE BEEF RATIONS. 

While at Bowling Green, we drew rations of meat that 
had been captured from the rebels, that ^vas issued by our 
commissary for beef, but that turned out to be nothing less 
than mule. Chaley Cox, of Co. C, got a full ration of it, 
and devouretl it at one meal. Next morning he was very 
sick, and Lieut. Dooley directed him to strike out ahead. 
He did so, going about a mile, where he stopped at the 



NASHVILLE. MISFITS. 23 

fannliouse of Wm. Hawes. There he stayed three weeks, 
Allen Godfrey, of the same company, bein^ detailed to 
nurse him. From tliere they returned to Bowling Green, 
and securinu- two large flasks of commissai'y whisky, they 
had no difficulty in obtaining a railroad pass ; and caught 
up with the regiment on its way to Shiloh. Several other 
comrades fared about as badly, but no one died. 

We arrived at a point ten miles north of Nashville, on 
Sunday evening, March 9, 1862. We had expected to be 
in Nashville ere that, but the large number of troops in 
advance of us, crossing tlie Cumberland River, detained 
us. The weather was lovely. Friday, 14th, found us still 
four miles from Nashville; not very still, either, for the 
boys wanted to get to the fi'ont, and raised a good deal of 
racket about it. Next morning we were joined by Colonel 
Streight, who had been back, sick. We then proceeded to 
Nashville, at sight of whose terril)le destruction we were 
shocked, as it looked like a cyclone had struck it. We got 
our first sight of gunboats here, as we crossed the river, 
and marched into the city; proceeding to the city square, 
and stacking arms ; after which we had the freedom of the 
city, and the boys all made good use of the o])poi'tunity. 
Acting Sergeant Major Anderson and the writer explored 
the State House, leaving our illustrious names carved on 
the drapery of the metalic female at the summit of tht^ 
long spiral stairway. 

The same evening, our regiment passed out tliroiigli 
the southeast corner of the city, by the cemetery, in which 
the grave of the rebel Zollicoffer appeai-ed ])i'omin(Mvtly . 

ALL SORTS OF MISFITS. 

The boys M-ere in fine condition at this time, many of 
them having gained fifteen or twenty pounds since enlist- 
ment, rendering it somewhat difficult to make their suits 
fit them comfortably. In issuing clotlies, little regard was 
paid to size ; the soldier took whatever the orderly hanch'd 



24 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

lum, as his turn came ; and it frequently occui-red tliat a 
little short' fellow got a suit foui- sizes too large for him, 
while that of the giant squeezed him like a corset. This 
evil was usually corrected by trading off. 

There were 'also other misfits. Many mistakes were 
made in the selection of non-commissioned officers, some 
of whom had no fitness for any sort of responsible service, 
as subsequent experience proved. Some of these were in 
time made subjects of discipline, and found theii- ])roper 
place in the ranks. The same might also be said of some 
of the commissioned officers ; but relief could be secured in 
nothing short of their resignation, and that they were not 
in a hurry to avail themselves of. 

The orderly of one company took a pride in appearing 
with the visor of his cap over one ear, his hair uncombed, 
shirt-collar unbuttoned, one shoe open or unblacked, and 
one pants-leg turned u]:). His captain gently wai-ned him 
to "fix up," but he refused to do so, foi- the reason that if 
he did, the boys would say he was "stuck up." He made 
his appearance in this condition on dress ]:)arade one day ; 
the colonel spied him, and calling him out in front of his 
company, administered 'a scorching rebuke, retluced him 
to the ranks, and directed his cajitain to advance one of 
his duty sergeants to the ])Osition. 

We had a gi-eat mimy things to learn in order to our 
becoming good soldiers. Commissioned officers and non- 
commissioned alike, thought they ought to make lots of 
fuss, and i-i]) and tear around through the C()m]:)any, wlien 
they had anything to do ; especially in preparing to march. 
Everything was new; and many difficulties arose, that in 
the years that followed became as "easy as falling off of a, 
log." In time everything became as thor(~)ughly adjusted 
as the finest machinery. 

Then began to appear, to us, tlie first signs of active 
war; long trains of wagons, loaded with forage, clothing, 
food and ammunition, great batteries of artillerv and long 



THE CULINARY DEPARTMENT. 25 

lines of cavalry ; all attended with confusion and racket 
that would have out-babeled Babel. One would not have 
thouglit, from the hilarity, the blaring of bands, rattle of 
drums, the screecliing of fifes and yells from thousands of 
throats , that all these men were on their way to kill other 
men , or be killed ; but all the countless organizations went 
out in the same way. 

THE CANTEEN, PLATE, HAVERSACK AND COFFEE-POT. 

The simple use of the canteen was an art that required 
practice and experience. The first effort usually resulted 
in about one-fourth of the contents flying up the soldier's 
nose, strangling him, and most of the balance was dashed 
inside his shirt-collar, and trickled down into his shoe. 
The canteen held about three pints, and was the most in- 
dispensable article in the soldier's outfit. Its usefulness 
was not confined to carrying water and other liquids, nor 
did it cease wdien it became leaky. It was then but the 
work of a few minutes, to tear ofl^ the cloth cover, throw it 
into the fire, and pull it out again in the shape of two nice 
vessels, that might be used as a basin, frying-pan or soup- 
dish, or as a shovel in ditching his tent. 

The tin plate was equally convertible. When corn 
was too hard for roasting, and too soft for parching, the 
soldier took his old plate, punched it full of holes from the 
inside , and the other side made a good grater . With the 
meal thus grated, griddle-cakes and mush were made, that 
w^ere simply ''out of sight. 

We had various sorts of haversacks, and they had as 
many uses. Things that to the tender recruit seemed very 
strange , lost their strangeness as his experience broadened ; 
and the educated taste of the veteran removed the objec- 
tion to the color and smell of the "grub-bag," produced by 
indiscriminate and conglom.erate admixture of hard-tack, 
sow-belly, sugar, salt and coffee. On the halt, he shifted it 
to the front, and found in its hospitable depths a princely 



26 FIFTY- FIRST INDIANA KEGIMENT. 

banquet. We all had splendid appetites, and could digest 
almost anything. 

Coffee-pots became practically obsolete after the first 
six months. After that a fruit-can, the top being pounded 
smooth, and a wire bail added, furnished a fine substitute. 
Camp-kettles and mess-pans had their uses also, during a 
cessation of hostilities ; and alternated between bean soup , 
coffee, washing clothes and scalding graybacks. Coffee- 
mills had long been unknown ; our coffee being ground by 
pounding the grains with a bayonet in a tincup, holding 
one hand over the top, to prevent their flying out. 

THE BAYONET. THE PONCHO. 

The bayonet had other uses than that for which the 
government purchased it ; such as stabbing pigs, or carry- 
ing a side of bacon that had been foraged. Inverted, it did 
service as a. candle-stand ; and frequently two of them, on 
the guns, were driven into the ground, and served as tent- 
poles . But it was seldom used for puncturing rebels ; yet 
no one ever had the courage to resist a bayonet charge, es- 
pecially when accompanied by a yell . 

The poncho, or "gum blanket," served as a shelter on 
the march or on picket ; placed on the top of the mud, or 
on brush or straw, it kept us off of the ground ; just after 
pay-day it served as a ''chuck-a-luck" board, the squares 
and figures being marked on it with charcoal ; often it did 
service as a bag or basket for transporting rations ; and 
Avhere two jiartners had one apiece, they hung one of the 
ponchos acro.ss one end of their "dog-tent" to protect the 
heads of the occu])ants. 

The generals were slow to adopt the confiscation idea, 
and the soldiers suffered many privations ; for they had 
not learned to evade the "reggelations." Before two years 
passed, however, the boys had taught the commanders its 
marvelous beauties ; and as it seriously affected their own 



MULE-WHACKERS. PAY-DAY. 27 

personal comfort, they were not averse to learning. The 
chief object at first seemed to be to protect the property of 
citizens; that, so far as it consisted of food and foi-age, 
invariably found its way into the rebel storehouses. 

There was a natural tendency to pair off into messes. 
Often four would mess together, and on going into camp, 
the duty of two would be to get wood and water and cook 
supper, while the others would put up tents, go for straw, 
or other bedding, and otherwise divide up the work. Often 
three had to sleep under one cover ; and then it required 
close "spooning." 

One fine device that found its way into the army, was 
a combination knife, fork and spoon. It was handy and 
very useful ; could be separated, and could be closed up, 
and carried easily in the pocket. 

MULE-WHACKERS. 

Our muleteers, of which each company was possessed 
of one, besides the regimental headquarters attache, and 
over all of whom was a boss, called the wagon-master, was 
accorded unlimited indulgence in the most delectable lan- 
guage ever invented. There was an eternal fitness in the 
selection of some individuals for this delicate post, their 
lungs being provided with sole-leather valves and other 
appurtenances that gave to their yawps a x^eculiar unction 
and moral force, without which, applied to the mule teams, 
our supply trains would in multitudes of cases never have 
reached us. Who will ever recollect Bob Hall, "Mother" 
Richeson, Dave Snow, Nick Bates, and a dozen others of 
our accomplished artists in that line, without a profound 
sense of gratitude? Jack McGrew started in well, but it 
proved too much for him ; in one year he was discharged 
for disability. His lungs were too weak. 

Pay-day came to us on Wednesday, March 19, being 
up to January 1 ; that of the officers dating only from their 
muster-in as such. This was hai'd on the officers, as most 



28 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

of them only got about eighteen days' pay. But the chief 
mourner was the ''skinner." 

Twenty cases of smallpox were reported in Nashville, 
jiiid few cared to go into the city. 

GOOD-BYE TO THE BAND. 

AI)out Marcli 20, 1862, an order came dismissing all 
regimental bands, save one to each brigade ; and ours was 
one of the doomed. It was very sad to see the band boys 
bundle up their "traps," and leavens; but the War De- 
, ])artment had decided that they were a useless redundance, 
and they had to go. ' How many times, after a hard days' 
march, had their music inspired us with new life, as they 
filed off the road to the tune of "Annie Grey," or "Cottage 
by the Sea!" How those stirring notes braced us up, and 
enlivened our weary limbs ! We can see Jim Todd's long 
swinging motion, and Jesse Zern's lively step, keeping the 
rest in time, and Dr. Coe's finely-keyed buglej And the 
echoes of "Bonnie Eloise," "Shepherd's," "Bedford," and 
"Kendall's" come ringing down the years with a sad sweet 
influence. rWhat new joys come to us, borne on the mem- 
ories of those early days of the war ! Tliink of Sam Lavey 
sitting all day long, half asleep, till the order comes to get 
ready for dress parade. How rapidly he unfolds into new 
])eauty ; and when the signal comes to "play," a soft sweet- 
ness flows forth from his horn, like apple-jack from a full 
canteen — smooth as oil ! Music liad a perceptible effect on 
everytliing. Our guns grew lighter; there was no more 
straggling ; the blisters stopped smarting, and the aches 
faded out like remnants of a painful dream . 

Here also our worthy sergeant major, W. M. Cochran, 
was prostrated by disease, by reason of which he was dis- 
charged from the service June 19. It is impossible to tell 
what might luive been his development, with sucli natural 
gifts of mind and lieai't as he possessed. 



(iRAYBACKS. 29 

There was one very popular amusement that began to 
be introduced into our regiment as the lovely spring days 
advanced, and that promised to become universal, and to 
occupy as much attention, time and labor as any other fea- 
ture of the war. And it was about the only thing wherein 
the promise was exceeded by fulfillment. This applied to 
not simply the privates, nor did it stop with the common 
officers, but with the impartiality of the frogs of Egypt, 
included everything to the general of the army . This was 
"skiriiiishing" for graybacks. The insect mentioned in 
science as pcdicuhis corpon\'<, or, as some call it, vest/tnenti , 
because it is not simply parasitic on the body, but also on 
clothing, was no respecter of persons. The first specimen 
ever seen by the writer, appeared on his socks the next day 
after having slept with one of the most scrupulous attaches 
of regimental headquarters, the night before we left Nash- 
ville, to move toward Shiloh. The great fecundity of this 
enterprising little torment was such that it seemed like for 
every one we killed, a hundred would come to the funeral. 
One writer tells a story about General Garfield, who, upon 
the march from Corinth to Decatur, a few months later, 
was seen out in the rear of his tent, behind a tree, with his 
shirt spread out over his knees, while his eyes and fingers 
glanced nimbly over the garment in quest of the festive 
varmints. Behind two other tr^es sat two members of his 
staff, both engaged in the same sanguinary pastime ; the 
crushing of the pedicull between their thumb-nails making 
a sound resembling the snapping of caps. The speediest 
method of getting rid of them was by boiling the clothes. 
Cold water washing only seemed to stimulate them ; l)ut at 
times when the camp kettle was not being used for l)oirmg 
beans or coffee, the boys would give their clothes a bath 
that would for the time thoroughly eradicate the pest, nits 
and all. The thumb-nail slew its thousands, but boiling- 
water its tens of thousands. 

Wood-ticks were abundant in most of these forests. 



80 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

They gave no warning, but selecting a suitable spot, bur- 
l-owed under the skin, creating an itching sensation. If 
attended to in time, this little parasite, which somewhat 
resembles a l)edbug, could be removed with the thumb and 
finger ; l)ut frequently he had to be dug out with the point 
of a sharp instrument. 

We were also annoyed at times by ''jiggers." These 
were little insects, smaller than a pin-head, that would in 
some inanner swarin inside of our clothes, and produce an 
intense smarting that would set us wild. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO. 

On Friday, March 21, 1862, General Buell, command- 
ing the Army of the Ohio, issued the following order : 

"Tlie military force in the Department of the Ohio consists of 90 
regiments of infantry, I volunteer engineer corps; total 60,877 for duty ; 
76.014 present and absent. The 6th Division has 12 regiments of in- 
fantry, in three brigades, 1 regiment of cavalry, 3 field batteries. These 
divisions are now advancing toward the Tennessee River, or taking up 
positions between here and there. Halleck has disturbed the equaliza- 
tion by withdrawal of troops as they ascended Cumberland River." 

This furnished Buell a loop-hole for escape from what- 
ever of odium might attach to his future action, by laying 
it onto Halleck. Poor old Halleck ! he had enough to bear 
in the results of his own headstrong incapacity, without 
having to shoulder the burden of this man, whose capa- 
bility was of no mean quality, but whose patriotism and 
fidelity are sadly doubted. Halleck's action, however, at 
Shiloh and in front of Corinth, "prove him wholly unfit 
to command an army in the field, and in fact totally void 
of that military genius necessary and so essential in the 
make up of a military hero." 

One week later, General Wood received the following : 

f "Hdqrs. District of Ohio, 
I March 28, 1862. 
The 6th Division, Brig. Gen. Wood commanding, will put itself en 
route on the Columbia turnpike, to-morrow, the 29th. Col. Barnett, 
with the reserve artillery, will report at once to Brig. Gen. Wood, and 
will accompany the 6th Division." 



OFF FOR SHILOH. 'M 

Then all was liuny and bustle and confusion. Some 
of the pickets, when relieved, came in with blood-cui-dling 
stories of things that were going on "in front," that fairly 
took the breath of green recruits who took their places. 
Knapsacks that hitherto had been filled with many little 
knicknacks and love tokens that had been brought from 
home, and that had been hauled in the wagons up to this 
time, were overhauled, and the fancy collection, together 
with extra quilts and other conveniences, were laid aside, 
and the load reduced to just what the soldier could carry 
on his back . 

Strict orders were issued forbidding foi'aging. This 
was discouraging to the enterprising purveyor, who hun- 
gered and thirsted for pigs, chickens, fruit, potatoes, milk, 
honey and applejack, that he knew was plentiful, and was 
only saved for the johnnies. In time the veteran learned 
to circumvent all such orders, and to modify the cruel pen- 
alty by a system of division with the officers in command, 
who allowed tlie boys to construe orders to suit their needs . 

Great quantities of rations were issued, and men and 
teams in large numbers were detailed to distril:)ute these 
among the regiments. There was increased activity in all 
the camps, in preparing food and stowing it in haversacks 
and mess-boxes ; cartridge-boxes were inspected ; tlie sick 
were sent to hospitals in the city ; surplus camp equipage 
was packed and stored ; long trains of wagons were filled 
with ammunition; ambulances, stretchers, medicine-cases 
and all the varied constituents of the doctor's department 
were reduced to first-class condition. There was a general 
weeding out of the poor material ; and those who lacked 
physical endurance, or "sand," as it was called, quietly 
disappeared, and rai-ely turned up in the regiment again. 
They found a soft place , and stayed there. Anotlier class 
of soldiers was possessed with an ambition to "keep up 
with the colors." They did not l)luster, nor "sjuk^ fei- a. 
fight;" but when discouragements came, tliey were ready 



82 FIP'TY-P'IRST INDIANA R?:(JIMENT. 

to "pick flint and try it again ;" and when the flglit came 
on, with pale face, trembling and praying, yet brave and 
trne and faithful they remained in their places, taking ad- 
vantage of every means of protection that would shelter 
them from the bullets of the enemy. 

Marching orders comprehended the transportation of 
tents, equipage and seven days' rations, and the informa- 
tion that we were to move in the direction of Savannah. 

Many of those afflicted with measles and other kinds 
of disease, were sent to Bardstown, where our ever faithful 
Mother Streight nursed them back to health again. 

"Fall in, Fifty-First !" And amid the rattle of drums 
and waving of flags, we got into line for the final stroke 
that was to break the back of the Confederacy. The last 
wagon was loaded, and was ready to move out as soon as 
the troops were out of the way. The 65th Ohio was in the 
front, and they stepped off with alacrity, shortly after day- 
light. Next day the 64tli Ohio took the advance of our 
brigade, leading us a lively race all day. As we were not 
aware of the great necessity for rapid marching, nor was 
any one else in Buell's army, not even the general himself, 
we considered these antics in the nature of an exhibition 
of smartness ; so, on the next day, when it came the turn 
of the Fifty-First to lead off, there was a general under- 
standing through our regiment, to show those fellows how 
to march. We had reduced our luggage to the last ounce ; 
and the way we sailed from morning till night, was some- 
thing wonderful. The two Ohio regiments had drawn new 
overcoats (piite recently, pretty brown ones, and it was fun 
to see those boys shed their overcoats whenever we halted, 
and tlien forget them when we started on. Two wagon 
loads of handsome brown overcoats are said to have been 
harvested that day by the citizens and others. 

"Them Fifty-Firsters is tryin' themselves to-day, a 'n't 
they !" remarked a ()4th boy to one of the fi5th. 

"Yes, tlie durned grevhounds think ther smart. I'm 



i\ 



GARFIELD TAKES COMMAND. oo 

jist played out, an' my feet 's tliat blistered, I can't stand 
up. The loth 's in front to-morrow, 'n' I do hope they'll 
have more sense." 

The 13th Michigan took the advance next morning, 
and the Fifty-First fell to the rear. But there was no more 
excessive marching after that; though the term "grey- 
hounds" stuck to our regiment for a long time. 

Ui3 to this time Grant had no intimation that Buell's 
army was moving from Nashville, 122 miles away, and 
Buell was laboring under the supposition that Grant was 
on the east side of the Tennessee River. Buell had little 
patience with General Nelson, who was nearly consumed 
with the fear that the rebels would attack Grant before the 
reinforcing army could reach him. Rutherford's Greek, 
four miles north of Columbia, was crossed without much 
difficulty, but Duck River being forty feet deep, a consid- 
erable delay was made. Nelson having found a tortuous 
ford by which he could cross his division, pushed ahead; 
and by that means arrived at Savannah some hours before 
the rest of our army. The chief solicitude expressed by 
Grant, was in a letter to McCook, whom he supposed to be 
in the advance of Buell's army : "I have been looking for 
your army for several days." 

THE SIXTH DIVISION. 

According to the best authorit}^ attainable, General 
Wood's command, Sixtli Division, Army of the Ohio, con- 
sisted at that time of the following : 

lot} I Brif/adc, Col M. S. Ilai^call commanding . 
17th Indiana, Col. M. S. Hascall. 
r)8th Indiana, Col. M.S. Kerr. 
2Gth Ohio, Col. E. P. Fyffe. 
3d Kentucky, Col. T. E.Bramlette. 
20th Brigade, Col. C. G . Harkcr commanding . 
GSth Ohio, Col. C. G. Harker. 
64th Ohio, Col. J. W. Forsytlie. 
3 



34 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

51st Indiana, Col. A. D. Streight. 
13tli Michigan, Col. M. Shoemaker. 
21st Brigade, Col. G. D. Wagnei^ commanding . 
15th Indiana, Col. G. D. Wagner. 
40th Indiana, Col. J. W. Blake. 
57th Indiana, Col. W. S. Hines. 
24th Kentucky, Col. L. G. Grigsby. 
Artillery . 
5th Ohio Battery, Capt. C. Bradley. 
6th Indiana Battery, Capt. Geo. Estep. 
lOth Indiana Battery, Capt. J. B. Cox. 
Cavalry . 
od Ohio Cavalry, CJol Lewis Zahm. 

GEN. J. A. GARFIELD TAKES COMMAND. 

General Garfield was in Kentucky, when he received 
orders to report to General Buell ; and so long were the 
orders in reaching him, that he only overtook us at Colum- 
bia, while we were constructing a bridge over Duck River. 
He was at once assigned to the command of our brigade. 
He continued with us during our fatiguing labors, building 
railroad bridges and relaying track on the Memphis and 
Nashville Road, aiding much by his superior knowledge, 
and also by the inspiration his presence always afforded. 
He was taken sick in the latter part of July, with malarial 
fever ; and obtaining leave of absence, went to his home. 

As soon as we could cross Duck River, the march was 
resumed with increased activity and eagerness. The dis- 
tance from Columbia to Savannah is 82 miles, the road 
being at that time very poor. Over a single narrow road 
the troops were pushed forward, the divisions taking inter- 
vals of six miles, in the following order: Nelson, Critten- 
den, McCook, AVood and Thomas. On the 1st of April, 
an excedingly hot day. Wood's division marched fourteen 
miles, aud encamped in a wood three miles beyond Buffalo 
River. On Wednesday, the 2d, we had several light show- 




General J. A. Garfield. 



GRANT AND TUELL. o5 

ers, which did not add materially to oui- comfort, having 
been so recently bereft of our tents. 

GRANT AND BUELL. 

Nothing of importance occurred, from that on until we 
arrived at Waynesboro, at which place the citizens received 
us witli demonstrations of great joy. Heavy cannonading 
was heard that afternoon, from a southwest direction, cre- 
ating a ripple of excitement among the troops, who (hiily 
expected the first great battle of the war. At Waynesboi-o 
the road forked, and a part of the column taking to th'e 
left, the main l)ody proceeded directly to Savannah. At 
the same time, the rebel army left C'orintli to attack the 
Union troops camped at Pittsburg Landing, intending to 
overwhelm Grant before Buell could join liini. On the 
4th, Grant telegraphed that the troops need not hasten 
their march, as transports would not be in readiness, at 
any rate until the 8th. On the same day, Buell dispatched 
to Grant, 

" I shall be in iSavaiiiiah myself to-morrow, with one, perhaps two, 
divisions. Can T meet you there? Have you any information for me 
that should aflect my movements? What of your enemy, and your 
relative positions ; what force at Florence or Corinth? We will require 
forage as soon as we arrive, and provisions in two or three days after. 
Has a steamer arrived with a bridge for me?'' 

Grant replied next day, 

Maj. Gen. D. C. Bukll, 

Near Waij^icsborough. : 

Your dispatch just received, T will be liore to meet 
you to-morrow. The enemy at and near Corinth are j)robubly from *>(),- 
000 to 80,000. Information not reliable. Have abundance of rations 
here, and some forage. More arriving daily. Pontoon bridge arriveil 
to-doy. U. S. fjRANT, iMaj. Gen." 

On tlie 6th, Grant had learned a ])art of tlie lesson his 

over-confidence in himself subjected him to. There were 

many more to learn before the close of the war. During 

the heat of the sti-ife, on that awful day, he telegraphed to 

"the commanding officer of the advance forces of Buc^U's 

army, near Pittsburg :" 



36 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

* "The attack on my forces has been very spirited from early 

this morning. Tlie appearance of fresh troops in the field now would 
have a powerfid effect, both by inspiring our men and disiieartening tlie 
enemy. If you will get upon the field, leaving all your baggage on the 
east bank of the river, it will be more to our advantage, and pns-sibly 
save the day to us. The rebel forces are estimated at over 100,000 men. 
My headquarters will be iti the log building on the top of the hill, where 
you will be furnished a staff officer to guide you to a place on the field." 

Yet, there we lay, along the bank of the Tennessee 
River, hearing the ponderous booming of cannon and the 
rainlike whir of musketry, till we were wild with excite- 
ment, while our poor boys were being driven back into the 
river at Pittsburg Landing — while hundreds of lives were 
going out, and the hopes of thousands more were dying on 
that bloody field. All this time Buell remained at Savan- 
nah, walking or riding about, seemingly as unconcerned 
as though it was a matter of very little consequence which 
side was defeated ; a condition of mind and heart almost 
universally attributed to him by the men of his command. 
Colonel Streight stormed around at a great rate, and Capt. 
Will Scearce became so impatient that he cried like a child, 
and railed out against the commanding officer, whom he 
characterized as a rebel. Looking up the same moment, 
he beheld that individual not forty yards away. He had 
certainly heard the remark, but probably had no desire to 
resent it then. It was well he did not, as the entire regi- 
ment was in accord with that sentiment, and would have 
expressed it as forcibly with proper provocation. We had 
enlisted to put doivn the Rebellion, and had no patience with 
the red-tape tomfoolery of the regular service. Further- 
more, our boys recognized no superiors, except in the line 
of legitimate duty. Shoulder-straps waived, a private was 
ready at the "drop of the hat" to thrash his commander; 
a feat that occurred more than once. 

All that beautiful Sunday we could hear the crackle of 
musketry and the pounding of cannons, but no movement 
was made by our command in the direction whence those 



/ 

AT PITTSBUKCJ LANDING. 37 

sounds came We trudged up and down, along the eastern 
bank of the river, or paced back and forth like so many 
caged animals. At night the roar of battle ceased, and we 
dropped down in the most convenient places we could find ; 
the entire surface being covered with a sticky mud, caused 
by an overflow . The writer followed the example of Chap- 
lain Gaskins, whose instinct led him into the loft of a log 
barn close by, where they found some oats straw, of which 
they made a lovely bed. We were all dragged out shortly 
after midnight, to march back to Savannah, where we took 
a transport for Pittsburg Landing. 

PITTSBURG LANDING. 

Arriving at the scene of battle, we went ashore under 
the shadow of an abrupt bluff, that bathed its northern 
slope in the mouth of Snake Creek. The bank was lined 
with trembling soldiers, who warned us to not leave the 
boat ; that we would all be butchered. Grant's "Memoirs" 
says that Buell berated the stragglers along the bank, that 
he estimated at 4,000 or 5,000, and threatened to throw a 
few shells from the gunboats in among them, to drive them 
to the front. 

The Landing had no appearance of a town, possessing 
but two or three log huts, that Grant used as a postoffice. 

There is no question that Grant was surprised at this 
place, and badly whipped, too, by a largely superior force ; 
and all tliat saved him was the timely arrival of Buell's 
army. The credit of this should also be put in the right 
place; for, while the fact was patent then, and remains, 
that Grant made a huge mistake at Shiloh, but for the per- 
sistency of such men as Nelson and Harker and Garfield 
and the plucky colonels and majors and captains, whose 
voices would not be hushed, the day would have cei-tainly 
gone against us. 

"grab a root." 

This expression, which became universal throughout 



38 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RPXflMENT. 

the Union ai'iny, is said to luivt' liacl its origin at this time. 
Thousands of (Irant's men were driven back to the water's 
edge, where stood hundreds of large trees, whose roots 
projected from the bank. As the boats approached, con- 
veying Buell's men to their aid, some of the careless and 
more courageous soldiers made sport of the panic stricken 
fellows, and as tliey tumbled over the bank, yelled out to 
them, ''grab a root!" Hoav electrified they were when we 
arrived. One comrade, who was in (Grant's army, says, 
"I can feel the sensation of joy yet, that thrilled me when 
the band of the advance got out on the boat and played 
'Hail, Columbia.' If ever men shed tears of joy and grat- 
itude, it was then. Wild yells, not simple cheers, but 
'tigers,' beat the air, far and wide, till the whole woods on 
either bank fairly shook with joy." 

We were drawn up into line, stacked our great heavy 
Belgian muskets, and with the rain pouring in almost in- 
cessant torrents, impatiently awaited orders to hurry to the 
front. We had no tents, and very few blankets, and so we 
laid around sort of promiscuously, ready at the tap of the 
drum, to fall in and go into the fight. 

(ireneral Wood's report, covering April (>, says : 

"The 51st Indiana wa.' left as guard to was^on train, on a road almost 
inconceivably bad, witii wagons stuck in the mud. About 12 o'clock, 
midnight, the darkness became impenetrable, and rain began to fall in 
torrents. It was imi»ossible to see a pace in advance ; and it became 
absolutely necessary to halt until the storm passed. The troops were 
eager to advance to assist their hard-pressed brethren, and were chafing 
and impatient. Savannah was reached on the morning of the 7th, and 
as soon as possible tliey embarked for the battle-field. The cheerfulness 
and alacrity with which these troops bore the labor and fatigue of a rapid 
march, conjpactly conducted, 140 miles, from Nashville to Savannah, is 
an earnest of their zeal." 

The inevitable, inextinguishable sutler was there; and 

as if matters were not already as bad as they could be, he 

had brought with him a quantity of "brandy peaches," 

the same being a fruit can containing one or two slices of 

])ea('h and a pint of miserable rotgut whisky. John Burk, 



CONFIDENCE OF COMRADES. 39 

of Co. B, a jolly Irishman, nianaged to empty one of these 
cans into his stomach, and in fifteen minutes he was a 
howling hoodlum, going along the line, hugging the boys, 
and making other demonstrations of joy, until he ran into 
the colonel, who was riding by ; who rebuked him in not 
very gentle tones, threatening to ''buck and gag" him. 
The reproof so enraged the Irishman, that he rushed to a 
stack of guns, grabbed one of them, and before the boys 
could interfere, his bayonet was within three inches of the 
colonel's breast. He was put under guard, and kept until 
morning, when we fell into line for battle ; and being by 
that time sobered up, he went into action with his com- 
pany, and the matter was forgotten. Johnny's bad habit 
clung to him to the end of his service. He got drunk as 
we started on the ''Raid," and fell off of the boat near 
Paducah. He was rescued, half drowned and badly hurt, 
and was left at a hosi^ital. It is not known what became 
of liim. 

That night was indeed a dreary one. We could only 
slosh around in the soft mud, with our heads stuck through 
our ponchos, as our tents were across the river, six miles 
below. While wandering about in this plight, the writer 
was met by an equally forlorn comrade, from whatever 
command will never be known. The rain had slackened, 
and the following ensued : 

"Rough, isn't it?" 

"Whew! you bet it is!" 

"Let's make down." 

"All right ; where '11 we make down?" 

"0, anywhere — ^right here's good as any." 

"Well, here, hold my things ; I know where there's 
some hay." 

"All right." 

The writer, who liad a ponclio, handed tliat, with his 
gun and haversack, to the other soldier, who liad a woolen 
blanket, and started for the bluff at tlie landing, where he 



40 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RK(UMENT. 

liad seen some mules feeding. Securing a good armload of 
hay, he returned to where he had left his comrade, and 
they made down their bed, putting the hay on the mud, 
and spreading the poncho on that ; then putting their guns 
between them, and pulling the woolen blanket over them- 
selves, they tucked their haversacks under their heads, and 
soon were sound asleep. In about an hour, the rain came 
pouring down again, filling their bed with water. After 
enduring it as long as they could, with a grunt of discom- 
fort, each arose, took his own things, and they separated. 
Neither knew the other's name nor command, and they 
probably never met again; such, however, was the confi- 
dence one soldier had in another. 

THE SECOND DAY AT SHILOH. 

At 5 A . M . , on the 7th , our lines were formed , and we 

moved forward. Our skirmishers soon met the enemy's 

pickets, and drove them rapidly for nearly a mile. The 

character of this onset, with the determined energy shown 

by the fresh troops, revealed to Beauregard the presence of 

reinforcements to Grant. The rebel commander says, in 

his report of the battle, 

"At 6 A. M. a hot fire of musketry and artillery opened from the ene- 
my's quarter a.ssured me of tiie junction of his forces, and soon 
the battle raged with a fury which s-atisfied me that I was attacked by a 
largely superior force." 

Tlie presence of our command was the pro])hecy of 
the rebels' defeat, indeed. He had received a special dis- 
patch the night before, of our delay, and counted on our 
not being able to reach the field of battle in time to save 
Grant's sliattered forces from capture, or destruction. The 
fighting was severe, and toward tlie close, Avas ])ure]y de- 
fensive on the part of tlie enemy, to hold his main line of 
retreat, and cover his retiring column. 

By 10 o'clock a. m., Monday, oui' troops had regained 
the camp from which Grant's army was driven on Sunday 
morning. AVood's division was pushed on after tlie i-ebels, 



UNDER THE HORSES. 41 

until they had passed their own original lines. Thus the 
left of Grant's army was saved. Gen. Lew. Wallace had 
taken the Snake Creek road, tliat would have brought him 
in the rear of the enemy, where he would not have lasted 
a minute ; getting back to the right road delayed him con- 
siderably ; but he got fairly into action in time to save the 
right wing. 

The enemy was not pursued far, on account- of the 
extreme fatigue of our men, and the approach of night. 
The losses on both sides were very heavy. But the day 
was ours, and disastrous defeat was turned to glad victory. 

Early on the morning of the 8th, Generals Sherman 
and Wood, with two brigades each, moved forward to dis- 
cover the position of the enemy. We encountered a large 
body on Lick Creek, and drove them some distance toward 
tlie main army. 

UNDER THE HORSES. 

When we moved up on the high ground away from the 
swamp, we were badly crowded, and our sleej^ing quarters 
were in too close proximity to those of the horses. On the 
third night after, one of the animals in moving backward, 
set one of his feet on the head of the writei-, the cork of 
his shoe cutting quite a gash in the scalp. It was late in 
the night, and all were asleep ; and when Dr. Collins was 
ai'oused, seeing the soldier's head and face covered with 
blood, 1ie supposed lie had been shot, and began to hustle 
around to afford relief. The soldier told him what was the 
matter, howevei', and requested that some comrade lead 
him to the creek ; there he Avashed the blood from his face 
and head, tied his bandana over the cut, found a secure 
place to lie, and soon all were asleep again. Such things 
became common, and we got used to them. 

We halted on the morning of the 9th , in a forest of 
elms and white oaks ; and as our baggage was still miles 
away, on the east side of the river, we skinned the trees 



42 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

as high as we coukl reacli, using the bark for shelter and 
beds, eking out witli straw, grass, brush, old clothes, and 
everything we could find, that would make our beds soft, 
or keep us out of the nuid. 

AFTER THE BATTLE. 

As we passed over the field, and especially near the 
"peach orchard," where ])ut a short time before had tran- 
spired such horror, such destruction and devastation, and 
beheld the multitude of dead and dying men and horses, 
and glanced down the long lines of hastily constructed for- 
tifications, which showed tlie positions of the contending 
armies, at different periods in the fight, we almost fancied 
we saw and heard it all over again. The cold penetrating 
stare of the hundreds of stark, drenched and bloodless 
corpses, over whicli we marched by day, and by whose 
sides we tlropped weai'ily down at night, caused a shudder. 
The groans of the wounded, and the expiring gasps of the 
noble fellows will liaunt us through life. 

" No visions of the morrow's strife 

The warrior's dream alarms; 
No braying horn nor screaming fife 

At dawn sliall call to arms." 

Many corpses lay stretched out in the mud and water, 
tlic rain pattering down in their faces ; some appearing as 
thoiigli sleeping, while others bore expressions of deepest 
agony. One man was thrown backward over a log, his left 
hand covering a liorrible wound in his body, and the other 
with the finger-nails sunk in the flesh, was back of his 
head, his teeth and lips firmly closed, his eyes set, indica- 
ting an awful death. At the foot of a large tree lay five 
rebels, who had evidently been pierced by the same ball — 
apparently a small solid shot, each being struck a little 
lower than the preceding one, as they filed around the tree. 
At another place a large ball had struck tw^o men together, 
cutting one in halves, and severing the other's head from 
liis shoulders. Hundi-eds of horses were strewn around. 



COLONEL STREIGHT's CORRESPONDENCE. 43 

Many of the wounded were disfigured beyond recognition ; 
especially was this true of about one hundred poor fellows, 
who were scattered through a portion of the wood, that 
caught fire, roasting them into insensibility. Everywhere 
lay poor dying mortals, suffering intensely from wounds 
and hunger and thirst. Our boys immediately contributed 
liberally from their haversacks and canteens, and our sur- 
geons went over and did what they could for their relief. 

THE colonel's LETTERS. 

Colonel Streight wrote home, April 10 : 

" Three days after the battle, and 2,000 dead traitors un buried. We 
are iti an oak forest, seven miles long and two wide. On our reeonnoi- 
sanee, we saw 85 wounded, still living, who had had nothing to eat nor 
drinli since the battle. Our baggage train is 14 miles from here; we 
liave no tents nor blankets, and sleep as best we can." 

On the 17th he wote : 

"Men who were killed a week ago, are yet un buried; many 
wounded still uncared for. Doctors are scarce, and numbers of wounded 
great; perhaps 10,000. We have lost several with smallpox. Mumps 
and jaundice give us most trouble. Over 50 cases now in ','amp." 

And on the 22d : 

"Just returned from picket, where we had to remain 36 hours, in a 
drenching rain, without sleep or shelter. Lieutenants Fox and Williams 
have resigned and gone home, on account of ill healt'.i. Lieut. Slavens 
died of typhoid fever, at Nasliville, and Jjieut. Light died at Lebanon. 
Capt. Denny is also dead, and Lieut. Trent resigned." 

Again, before Coi-inth, May 3 : 

" We are jireparing for battle. The roar of cannon an<l rattle of mus- 
ketry is the music to our march. I have every confidence in my regi- 
ment. They will fight bravely, and acquit themselves honorably in 
whatever circumstances they may be placed. About 500 able for duty." 

It is quite impossible to give the names of individuals 
who were killed, or who died in consequence of wounds 
received in each battle, or of disease at the various points. 
The data cannot be obtained, and besides it would require 
a large volume for these alone. 

Proceeding about one mile further, we halted at the 
place where the rebels had first formed in line of battle, on 



44 



FIFTV-FIRST INDIANA RKaiMF:NT. 



the eventful Sunday morning. There we found a great 
quantity of clothing, which, in our destitution, we gladly 
appropriated. About this time we were further delighted 
by the exchange of our heavy Belgian guns for nice little 
Enfield rifles. 

Next day we rested in a beautiful wheatfield, where 
our eyes were greeted by the sight of a squad bringing in 
a large number of prisoners ; then we were deod certain the 
war was aljout over. 

From til is time till September, we were known as the 
20th Brigade, 6th Division, Department of the Mississippi. 

Great details of men were made to bury the dead ; and 
it was indeed a sad duty, to take up the bodies of those 
who had fallen, many of whom had lingered during the 
long weary nights of neglect, in the pelting rain, and suf- 
fering all the pangs of thirst and hunger, and lay them in 
trenches like poles in a corduroy road, without covering, 
save a few old lilankets, that were made to go as far as pos- 
sible, and dirt, that filled eyes and mouths, and through 
which the water soaked from the surface. Yet it was all 
that could be (h)ne. A little board, with pencil marks, at 
the head of t^ach \)oov body, was all the monument erected. 

In General Buell's report, made in August, he says : 

"Circumstances atteiuHiig followiner (he Shiloli fio^iit, subjected the 
troops to tlie greatest (Jiscomfort for ten days after. Ilains and continual 
use of tiie roads, rendered tlieni almost impassable. The troops lived in 
the open air, in mny camjjs, in frequent cold, drenching rains, and had 
to carry provisions two miles from the river. This had a serious eflfect 
on the troops; dysentery of a threatening type prevailing. The arrival 
of wagons, and removal of tr()oi)s to high ground on Tjick Creek, remote 
from the battlefield, wrought a favorable change. More immediate pre- 
parations for advance commenced on the 29th of April. The creek was 
bridged at Atkins' and Greer's, and the marshy bottom was corduroyed 
three- fourths of a mile. The average distance from Corinth was flTteen 
miles. The country was thickly wooded, with dense undergrowth. May 
3, Wood's division crossed at Greer's. Tlie enemy's cavalry retired 
before us. Work was at once commenced on the roads in front but the 
heavj" rains of the 4th and 5th, prevented our advance, and destroyed 
much of the work both in front and rear. 8ome skirmishing occurred 



"my whisky !" 45 

on the 6ib, between the enemy and Garfield's brigade. A few of the 
enemy were taken prisoners." 

From this till tlie 17th he had nothing of importance 
to report. 

Just as soon as we got settled down long enough to go 
into regular camp, and got our tents up and ditched, and 
the quarters policed, we were ordered to prepare for "bat- 
talion drill." AVhew ! We hadn't had time to get dried 
out, nor the M^'inkles straightened, nor our sore feet healed 
up; but we had to go. And we faced, and flanked, and 
countermarched, and formed hollow-square, and wheeled, 
resisted imaginary cavalry charges, and assaulted forts, 
through a blamed thorny thicket ; leaving the boys breath- 
less and out of temper. This continued from day to day, 
supplemented by company and squad drill. 

"my WHISKY' !" 

Major Doughty, our enterprising quartermaster, had 
''gobbled" a barrel of fine old Kentucky whisky, and was 
saving it for "medical purposes," in the back of his own 
wagon. John P. Smith, being on guard at headquarters, 
discovered it, and reported the same to the boys of Cos. A 
and F, who resolved to have a few canteenfuls of it ; that, 
properly taken, it would help them to endure the excessive 
fatigue. By daylight all of the canteens and some of the 
camp-kettles of the "Shelby drunks" and Co. A contained 
most of the whisky. The watchful sentinel then called the 
quartermaster, and told him that something in the wagon 
was leaking badly. The officer jumped out of bed quickly, 
exclaiming, "my whisky !" The barrel was taken into the 
tent, and what was left was put into bottles. A half-]nnt 
was given to the guard, as a reward for his faithfulness. 
The day following was one of hilarity among the soldiers 
of the right of the regiment ; but nobody ever gave the 
trick away, or it would have been a sorry jaml)oree for the 
perpetrators . 



46 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

On May 8, Gen. Sherman reported to Gen. Grant : 

" I wont out on the Corintli road. At the forks of the road I found 
Gen. Wood's division. I ordered Wood to advance the head of his col- 
umn cautiously on the left-hand road, while 1 conducted the 3d Brigade, 
5th Division, on the right-hand road." 

SCARED BY A ''QUAKER GUN." 

May 9, we were 7i miles from Corintli, in the vicinity 
of what was to be Jeff Davis' "last ditch." On the night 
of May 6, General Garfield detailed Colonel Streight, with 
the Fifty-First, to bring up the brigade train and the divi- 
sion supply train. The command was under fire for some 
time, but there were no casualties. During that week our 
regiment chopped down the woods in front of us, about 
seventy acres ; though for what reason this work was done, 
nothing in the Official War Records appears. We had no 
trouble in moving on the doomed town, for it was already 
evacuated by the rebels. We were confronted by a mam- 
moth gun, that threatened to blow the Union clear over 
the north pole ; and it was then supposed that General 
Halleck was afraid that somebody might accidentally run 
up against the mass of ordnance ; and to provide against 
this, was the cause of cutting away the forest. Five hun- 
dred axes were unpacked, and in a very short time our 
hardy yeomen completed the task. The mammoth gun 
proved afterward to be a log that had been mounted and 
painted to resemble a columbiad. 

Here it was that Reub. Templin and J. F. McKinley, 
(Brute,) of Co. C, kept everybody awake during tlie entire 
night, destroying rebels that sneaked up on them while on 
picket. The Government had a herd of cattle to pay for, 
and there wasn't a ragweed in front of our command that 
hadn't the top clipped off, as they waved in the misty star- 
light. 

The right of our regiment rested alongside a big pine 
tree. One day Corporal Gibson was sitting on the trunk 
of it, writing a letter to his wife. Looking up, he descried 



INVESTINii CORINTH. 47 

at the end next to the captain's quarters, a huge lizard on 
the tree. He commenced writing something about it in 
his 'letter, when Captain Fleece came out of his tent, and 
scared the varmint, which ran along the tree and up into 
Gibson's pants. It did not stop till it had compassed the 
entire length of his body, emerging at his collar. Chaos 
ensued; pen, ink and letter Hew in different directions; 
while (libson acted like a lunatic, tearing every garment 
he had on into shreds, in his eagerness to get them otf. 
Traces of the lizard's course were plainly visible for years. 
Gibson had to draw another suit before he could appear in 
public again. 

BEFORE CORINTH. 

Saturday, May 17, we advanced to within 2^ miles of 
Corinth, and a lively cavalry skirmish was had, with con- 
siderable loss on both sides, the rebel cavalry falling back 
in confusion, leaving many prisoners. During the engage- 
ment two companies of rebel infantry desei'ted and fled to 
our lines. They reported that the entire cavalry force was 
placed in front, to prevent the infantry from escaping to 
our army . Their rations had been cut down to one cracker 
a day. We mistook their flight for a charge, and many 
shots were fired at them before they could make their inten- 
tion known. On Sunday, our skirmishers, half a mile in 
advance, kept up a racket all day. Several of our boys 
were hit by a rebel sharpshooter, perched in a distant tree. 
He was finally located, and two half-breed Indians from 
the 2d Minnesota were detailed to silence him. Some boys 
from our regiment deployed at safe distances, to attract 
his attention, while the half-breeds, who were fine hunters, 
removing their shoes, crept stealthily through the under- 
growth, to within four hundred yards of him, where, at a 
signal, they let fly at him ; and down he dropped, as they 
expressed it, "just like um 'possum !" 

Up to the investment of Corinth, the ])ick and spade 



48 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA KECIIMENT. 

had been unknown in the Western army. But we needed 
this kind of drill more than any other experience. Labor 
of any kind was never refused by the Fifty-First ; and we 
got our full share of it before the war was over. But tliere 
were times when untold gold would have been paid for a 
few picks and shovels, and ready hands would have been 
abundant to use them. We had given General Garfield an 
exhibition of our yeomanry, in cutting down the forest ; 
he gave us an opportunity, on the 19th, to show what we 
could do in the way of throwing up earthworks. Our divi- 
sion constructed about eight hundred yards in half a day. 

May 21, while on picket near what had been a fine 
brick residence, a rebel orderly sergeant, concealed in the 
barn, was shot through the breast. We found him there 
next day, and buried him. He had evidently not been in 
there long, as his haversack was full of fine biscuits. 

The country thereabout was quite swampy, and our 
engineers had plenty to do. We marched into Corinth on 
Saturday morning. May 31, 1862. Peaches and apples 
were nearly ripe, and we anticipated fine times. The most 
objectionable feature was the extreme heat of the days and 
the intense cold of the nights. We worried a great deal 
then over such things, but got after while to taking them 
as they came. 

The water here was very poor, and there was a great 
deal of sickness in consequence. Water was found twelve 
feet below the surface, and hundreds of holes, like minia- 
ture cellars, appeared, with steps cut in the yellow clay 
sides, to descend by. Frequently a soldier's feet would 
slip on the moist steps , and he would be precipitated to the 
bottom, to the furious disgust of the boys below, awaiting 
their turn, as well as his own loss and discomfort. 

May 23, Colonel Streight's message to his home said: 

" We had quite a skirmish this morning, while out on picket. Tlie 
enemy opened on us at daylight, and the boys returned their fire, when 
I ordered an advance; which resulted in the capture of 5 prisoners, and 




General T. J. Wood. 






WE MARCH INTO CORINTH. 49 

several of the enemy kille(l and wounded. We (h'ove them half a mile, 
and held our ground against three times our numbers. No one hurt on 
our side. I really believe that the 51st would whip their weight in wild- 
cats, arms or no arms. We have a fight every day, but no general 
engagement." 

Pay-day came just before we arrived at Corinth It 
was very tiresome standing in line, hour after hour, await- 
ing the slow process of leaving off. An ''alecky" clerk, a 
great deal bigger, in his own estimation, than a brigadier 
general, was in attendance, and seemed to delight in the 
confusion of the fellows who, though miserable writers, 
could always be relied on in any kind of duty, and in the 
hour of danger were up at the front. The sutler got most 
of what was coming to some, this time ; but many sent 
their little allowance home, where, in many cases, it was 
sadly needed. 

Corinth had at that time some of the homeliest women 
in America. One writer, who had time to observe all the 
attractions of that burg, describes them as "sharp-nosed, 
tobacco-chewing, snuff'-rubbing, flax-headed, hatchet-faced, 
yellow-eyed, sallow-skinned, cotton-dressed, flat-breasted, 
bare-headed, long-waisted, humx^-shouldered, stoop-necked, 
big-footed, straddle-toed, sharp-shinned, thin-lipped, pale- 
faced, lantern-jawed, silly-looking damsels." 

If a person wanted any article taken anywhere, it was 
always ''brung," or "fotch," or ''toted." We could not 
tarry long enough in Mississippi to get used to its style. 

GENERAL WOOD's REPORT. 

General T. J. Wood's report, covering the time from 
April 29 to May 30, says : 

"After bivouacking two weeks on Hliiloh, with every varietj^ of dis- 
comfort, intensified by absence of baggage and transportation and by 
the most inclement weather, on April 29 we moved forward 3.V miles to 
Lick Creek. During the halt here, the division constructed corduroy 
road three days. On this tiie headquarters of the Army of the Ohio, 
with the 4th, oth and Gth Divisions and reserve artillery, advanced be- 
yond Lick Creek. My division crossed May 8, and falling iiuo the main 
road from Hamburg to Corinth, cami)e(l near ]\[t. Olivet church. On 



50 KIKTY-KIKST INDIANA RK(HMENT. 

the Otli, Cieii. Gartield's hriga.le had a rencontre with the enemj', with 
an intercluinge of small arms and shells, without casualty on our part. 
Three })risoners were captured. May 8 was employed in cleaning up and 
establishing the new camp. On the afternoon of the 10th, tlie division 
was ordered to move across tiie country to the Hamburg and P^arming- 
ton road, in the rear of Seven-mile Creek, to the right of Nelson's divi- 
sion. We occupied tiiis position one week. Heavy details were made 
to finish the road across Chambers Creek, where the route crossed it. 
During this camp, several lessons were given in division drill. On the 
afternoon of the 17th, this division was ordered to have three days cooked 
rations in haversacks, to cross Seven-mile Creek, carry tools, and occupy 
the jmsition on the Purdy and P'armington road. This was accora- 
l)lished, the troops skirmishing, intrenching and sleeping on their arms 
all night. On the following morning, 18th, the outposts were strength- 
ened, and there was active skirmishing all day. Tiie advance sentinels 
(videttes, ) were in close range, and the slightest exposure of persim was 
sure to be followed by the sharp crack of a rifle. On the 19th, we moved 
to the front, on tlie main Corinth road, with special eharjj^e to hold it. 
AVe tiu'ew up a continuous line of intrenchments, not less than 800 yards, 
in a few hours. Several successive subsequent days were devoted to the 
strengthening of our defenses, and making strong abattis. On tlie 21st 
a report was received of a movement on foot by the enemy about 10 
o'clock that night. I directed Garfield to visit the outpost, and satisfy 
himself. We expected an attack next morning, and were prepared for 
it. Deserters reported 70,000 men under the personal command of Bragg, 
to attack our center. A week pj^sed, but that moment never came. The 
early morning of the 30th was broken by a loud sound of singular and 
heavy explosions." 

General Biiell 's report adds : 
"On the eveninsT of the 17th I moved my forces across Seven-mile 
Creek to the Farmington and Purdy road. Some skirmishing attended 
this movement, which was not completed till some time after dark. The 
right of Wood's division rested at Driver's house, on the direct Monterey 
and Corinth road. When two miles from the enemy's works, I ordered 
to intrench. In fnintof Wood was an open field, bordered toward Bridge 
Creek by thickly wooded spurs ot high land, on which M'e were formed. 
The enemy occupied the woods in our front with strong lines of skirmish- 
ers ; and till the evacuation, skirmishing, mingled with artillery, was 
incessant along the whole front. There was some skirmishing on the 
29th. About 4: 30 P.M. a message was received, that the enemy was 
evacuating Corinth. There was some rivalry as to which of the three 
armies first entered the enemy's works." 

Btit lie has no word of commendation in this connec- 
tion, for the soldiers, who through all that exhibition of 
assininity and incapacity, endured so cheerfully. 



REPAIRING RAILROAD. .")! 

After the evacuation of Corinth, we proceeded east. 
Beauregard well away, and Halleck over his scare, the 
Army of the MississijDpi (or Ohio,) started on a campaign 
that for thorough exhaustion of body and soul, had not its 
equal in the history of that department. It occuj^ied about 
five months ; and while begun ostensibly for the j)ossession 
of Chattanooga, did not stop till the whole army had swept 
through Tennessee and Kentucky, to tlie Oliio River, and 
half way back. 

RAILROADINU. 

June 1, 1862, orders from headquarters of the Army of 

the Ohio to Brig. Gen. Wood, commanding ()th Division, 

announce that, 

"In compliance witli orders from Gen. Hallcck, tlie Memphis and 
Charleston railroad from Corinth to Decatur is to be put in order by ti)e 
troops of tliis command. Your division is assigned to the duty, and will 
march to-morrow morning, and will furnish the necessary working par- 
ties and guards. One brigade should be left to-morrow at camp on tiie 
railroad about 9 miles from Corinth, which will place it about half way 
between the first and second burnt bridges, and it can aid in the repair 
of both. The remainder should continue its march to Bear Creek bridge, 
and halt there until the work at that point is completed." 

They were to take six days' rations, and draw from 
Eastport, on the Tennessee River. A squadron of cavalry 
was to accompany the troops, and great caution ^vas to be 
exercised against surprise. Brig. G(m. W. S. Smith was 
detailed to superintend the work. Gen. Crittenden's divi- 
sion was recalled next day, and AVood's pushed forward. 
Gen. Nelson was directed, .June 8, to move in the same 
direction, and Gen. Wood to leave Bear Creek as Nelson 
approaclied. June (>, locomotives and cars were sent up 
the river to Florence, ami Wood was directed to send a 
force to protect their landing. Our division moved over 
the road by Farmington, near Burnsville. and so on cast. 
known as the old Alabama road . 

June 6, we arrived at luka, Miss., a raih-oad town ol' 
1500, about one mile from tlie Alabama line. Here are 



52 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the luka Springs, once a popular resort. We remained at 
that phice a short time and recruited up. 

A HARD MARCH. 

June 9, Wood was ordered to send a brigade to Tus- 
cumbia. A regiment from some other division had been 
sent to Buzzard's Roost Creek, to encamp and furnish the 
requisite fatigue parties. Mitchell was in danger, but it 
was feared that support could not be sent to him in time. 

The roads were poor at the best, but the travel of the 
army made them almost impassable . Miles and miles we 
marched under a scorching hot sun, the dust so thick we 
could hardly l)reatlie, our throats parched with heat and 
thirst, that was illy relieved by the lukewarm nasty water 
in our canteens; our bodies weak from lack of food, and 
from lying on the bare ground. We were compelled to go 
for days and days without change of clothing, or even an 
opportunity to remove our hot, dirty, sweaty clothing, that 
reeked with vermin, and blistered our bodies as we threw 
ourselves on the steaming ground for sleep or rest. Then 
it rained, and we rejoiced for a while ; but when our cloth- 
ing got wet, we were miserable. We would make a short 
halt at noon, for coffee, and then on through the mud and 
rain. At night we dried our clothes by standing before a 
fire, and turning round as each exposure dried on us. 

We began to observe signs of general desertion by the 
citizens ; tobacco-houses filled with great quantities of leaf 
in process of curing ; farm houses , with immense grana- 
ries, flocks and herds, left to the mercy of whoever might 
come. Occasionally an ungovernable hog or sheep would 
find its way into our mess kettle. 

Nature had done much for this section, and was ready 
to do as much more. But agriculture seemed there a lost 
art. Thousands of acres lay uncultivated, but the igno- 
rance of the people, and their strong opposition to the use 
of improved farm implements, prevented its development, 



AT TrsciNrHIA, ALABAMA. 53 

and decreased the value of farins and farming to a most 
alarming degree. 

There was evidence here of strained relations between 
Halleck and Buell, in the confliction of their orders, that 
resulted in numerous unprofitable and unnecessary move- 
ments by the regiments, and also in Bragg 's free passage 
into Tennessee. With the splendid army under Buell, it 
ought to have been impossible for Bragg to even approach 
the Tennessee River. In the subsequent examination into 
Buell's conduct of the Bragg campaign from Corinth to the 
close of the Perry ville fight, Gen. Wood said, "I am satis- 
fied by information received from various sources, that 
Bragg's army led into Kentucky, did not exceed 35,000 
men." Streight said, "Fi-om facts I could gather, they 
(the rebels,) had from 30,000 to 35,000." 

AT TUSCUMIUA. 

Our next camp was at Tuscumbia, Alabama, alongside 
the railroad, where we enjoyed the delightful society of 
millions of mosquitoes and the redolent fragrance of many 
neighboring marshes. These mosquitoes were enormous, 
and their bills were longer than those of a plumber. They 
could easily pierce through two or three government blan- 
kets, and the sting was equal to the prodding of a pin, and 
had similar injurious results. One able writer has said 
that "they were built to sit lightly, bite deeply, jump high 
and come again." That day several of the boys were over- 
come with the heat. The writer only learned in 1893 of 
his obligation to J. P. Smith, who found him unconscious 
on the roadside, and put him in a wagon, in which he was 
hauled into camp ; and tliis affords an opportunity to tes- 
tify to the faithfulness of our hospital steward, in every 
duty he was called upon to ]:)erfoi'm. 

Many of tlie boys fell l)y tlie wayside that day, from 
sheer exhaustion and sunsti'oke ; from which none ever 
entirely recovered. They were picked up and placed in 



54 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RE(tIMENT. 

ambulances and wagons, and carried into camp. Their 
patriotism, courage and nerve M'ould not let them give up, 
though ; and after a short rest, and a little kind attention, 
such as one soldier was always ready to give another, they 
renewed the struggle, and staggered along under the broil- 
ing sun, to the end of the journey. 

At Tuscumbia occurred the interview V)etween William 
Alfred Summers and a colored lady, the revival of which 
by his comrades, was the bane of his life during the rest of 
his service. 

AT TOWN CREEK, ALABAMA. 

Sunday morning, June 15, we marched fourteen miles 
to Town Creek, Alabama. Colonel Streight had command 
of the forces, four regiments of infantry and two companies 
of cavalry, and was constructing a bridge. Lieut .-Colonel 
Spooiier had resigned, to take command of the 83d Indi- 
ana, and Major (Jolescott was advanced to that position. 
The citizens there were very hostile. New potatoes and 
blackberries were plentiful, and our boys thrived on them. 
The berries were the finest we had ever seen, and enormous 
quantities were gathered. Our advance after Bragg was 
just ra])id enough to enable the berries to mature all along 
the route ; so that we had ripe berries all the way to Louis- 
ville. Fishing at Town C^i'eek was also fine, and furnished 
rare sport. 

Lieutenant Jonathan Dunbar had command of Co. K 
here. While drilling the company one day, he w^anted to 
separate the lines; and sung out,'' 'Tention ! company. 
Rear open — open — open!" But he could get no further ; 
he could not recollect the rest of the command. The boys 
got ready to obey promptly, but no one moved. Again the 
doughty lieutenant shouted, "Rear open — open — open!" 
and again the boys prepared to execute the movement ; but 
no one stirred. When he again repeated it, the irreverent 
ones snorted. This enraged the officer ; and brandishing 



' ' ROBERT RIDLEY , OH ! ' ' 55 

his sword, he exclaimed, "I have been a Justice of the 
Peace, Sheriff of Hancock county, and held other offices 
with credit ; but whenever I get ou.t before Company K, I 
get my finger in my mouth. Comx^any's dismissed !" 

''bob RIDLEY." 

A "contraband," in the form of a tall, double-jointed 
mulatto, came to us here. We called him "Bob Ridley." 
He made himself useful in a variety of ways. He could 
harness a team, cook a dinner, dance a jig or convert him- 
self into an orchestra for other darkies to dance to. His 
knee-joints turned sidewise, and his long spindle-legs had 
a comical appearance, as he described the most marvelous 
contortions, keeping time to his own music, made by a 
combination of his voice and a set of cane reeds, which he 
manipulated with wonderful dexterity, and some melody. 
He was also an accomplished sprinter, and won several 
small stakes in ra^es among the boys of our regiment. He 
evinced a profound admiration for John P. Smith, and on 
one occasion put up a dollar on him, in a race. Some one 
suggested that he might lose his dollar. 

"Don't you be 'lawmed. He don't do notliin' but fly !" 

"Ridley" was not disappointed. 

FORWARD TO DECATUR. 

In a few days, three companies proceeded eight miles 
further east, to Courtland ; leaving tents and equipments 
behind; then seven miles further, where they repaired a 
small bridge. Their baggage was for waded to them there. 
The same night they were overwhelmed by a terrific storm, 
that destroyed everything perishable. It cooled the atmos- 
phere, though, and made the march next day delightful. 
The balance of the regiment had come up by this time. 
Our march of fourteen miles was made with ease, bringing 
us to Decatur, on tlie Tennessee River. On the Saturday 
following we entered the town, and crossed the river, that 
at this point is nearly a mile wide. Eleven formidal)le 



56 FIKTY-KIRST INDIANA RE'tTMP:NT. 

piers remaiiit'd of the once magnificent bridge, that had 
been burned l^y General Mitchell. We crossed on a ferry- 
formed by an old rebel gunboat flanked on either side by a 
flatboat. Jolm W. Wells, of Co. C, swam across, accom- 
panied by several other expert swimmers. We camped in 
a cotton field on Pine Creek, in the vicinity of Mooresville, 
a short distance east of Decatur, and near the Memphis 
and East Tennessee railroad. Figs were abundant, and 
china trees furnished us a delightful shade. We also had 
a splendid spring of clear water. Every one was living 
better than for some time. Butter was selling at 40 cents, 
and potatoes, $2. Adjutant Ramsey was absent, sick, and 
Captain Willis was also at home on sick furlough. 

The same evening, after we crossed the river, Co. C 
was detailed for picket one mile south of Decatur. It was 
the misfortune of one squad on this force, to be attacked 
early next morning by a vicious man-eating shoat, which 
they were compelled to destroy, to save "their lives. One of 
them thrust his bayonet through the ferocious beast, and 
held it while another comrade almost pounded its head off 
with a fence-rail. While two of them skinned the animal, 
another borrowed a kettle from a house near by, filling it 
at the well , in which they cooked the pork ; and , to avoid 
any possible interruption, as well as to remove suspicion, 
one of the boys went in and played with the baby, while 
the rest got breakfast, adding to the variety a nice panful 
of potatoes from the field on the other side of the fence . 

June 30, 1862 : We had just returned from a trip up 
the river six miles, hunting a band of guerrillas. We had 
failed to find them. Some of oui- boys were very sick in 
camp, and Richard H. Ellis and Stephen Hilton, of Co. C, 
and James H. Parker, of Co. E, died here. Hilton was 
ordered out on a sort of convalescents' brigade drill, and 
got as far as the foot of company quarters, where he fell in 
the dead ashes of a camp-fire, and expired in a few min- 
iites. They were ])uried by each other just out of camp. 



FOURTH OK .nri.Y IX CAMP. ."iT 

The Fourth of July was ushered in by a federal salute 
of thirteen guns. About 10 a. m., our bi-igade, with Gen. 
Garfield at the head, marched to a beautiful grove near by, 
wliere we were joined by the 15th Brigade, Stacking our 
arms, we rallied on the speaker's stand, a primitive affair, 
where, after pi-ayer, the Declaration of Independence was 
read and heartily cheered. Col. J. W. Blake, of the 40th 
Indiana, spoke briefly, and was followed by General Gar- 
field, in a most pow^erful, beautiful and stirring address. 
His rich, full voice, echoing the patriotic sentiments of his 
great heart, was listened to with eagerness, and responded 
to at the close, with a yell that made the old woods ring. 
Then a choir sang 'SStar Spangled Banner." Other short 
speeches were made, and the brigade band interspersed a 
number of fine selections. At noon a national salute was 
fired by the 6th Ohio Battery. Then followed games, such 
as throwing l)alls, wrestling, foot-racing, blindfold race, a 
man running against a horse, (in which Al. Morrison, of 
Co. F, and Jonty Peterson, of Co. C, excelled,) jumping, 
and somersaults. Genei-al Garfield offered a prize of $20 
for the fleetest sprinter in the brigade. Our (-o. A moun- 
taineer, J. P. Smith, took the money in a fair test. He 
had then to run with the crack racer of the division ; and 
came off" again as easy a winner as before. After the day's 
sport, we returned to cam]). 

EXPEDITION TO DAY's GAP. 

Tlie Fifty-First was missionary, as well as vicai'ious ; 
and when we learned that in the mountains 25 or 30 miles 
south of Decatur, in the neighborhood of a point known 
as Davis' Gap, there were hundreds of loyal Union people, 
who had refused to join their traitorous neighbors, and 
many of whom had fled to the mountains to escape rebel 
conscription, our hearts went out toward them. Some of 
them came to the Union army, stealing through mountain 
passes, twenty, forty, sixty, and even ninety miles, aided 



58 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

by a sort of "underground railroad" system like that by 
which the former runaway slaves made their escape from 
their brutal masters, through Ohio and Indiana to Canada. 

Colonel Streight conceived a plan, which upon careful 
in({uii-y, met with a hearty response by every man in the 
regiment. Tliis plan was submitted to deparment head- 
quarters, and full authority was granted for its execution. 
Accordingly, Saturday morning, July 12, we crossed the 
river, and accompanied by a small detachment from Co. I, 
1st Ohio Cavalry, commanded by Capt. Stephen C. Writer, 
and several Alabama refugees for pilots, we set out for the 
mountains. Tlie sun poured down upon us furiously all 
day, and we were all loaded down to the guards with four 
days' rations and indisiDensable baggage ; for we were not 
allowed even a mule for transportation. This, with sixty 
rounds of ammunition, and guns, made us sweat. The 
boys suffered a little for water, but no one dared fall out ; 
for there were no ambulances, and the chances for bush- 
whackers were too good to take any risks. At six o'clock 
that evening, our rear guard was fired into ; and we halted 
and scoured the woods, but without results. Half a mile 
further on, the pilots came rushing back to us, with the 
information that the guerrillas were just ahead, and had 
captured one of the guides and stolen a horse. During 
this time. Captain Writer's squad had been sent ahead to 
notify the Union people of our approach, and to give them 
time to collect at Col. Davis' house by the time we arrived. 
The cavalry was attacked by several times their numbers, 
routed, part of them, including the captain, shot, others 
taken prisoners, and the remainder made their way back 
to our regiment. 

We arrived at Col. Davis' at dark, and Col. Streight 
knocked at the door. An elderly lady opened the door, to 
wliom the officer said : 

"Does Col. Davis live here?" 

"He does." 



AT DAVIS ' GAP. 59 

''Is he at home?" 

"He is not." 

"We are Union troops, who have heard of your suf- 
fering, and have come to relieve you." 

She still hesitated. 

"Do you believe me?" 

"I dislike to dispute your word, but — " 

At this juncture a young lady came to the door, and 
asked, "Have you any of the Alabama boys with you?" 

They were called up from the rear. While they were 
coming, she proceeded : 

"We have been so often deceived by guerrillas, that 
we — 0, is that you, John?" 

And she sprang into the arms of her liusband, who 
had been hiding out for months. 

"Thank God! we are safe !" exclaimed the old lady. 
"Now I can have the old man here in a few minutes. He 
is just back here in the mountains." 

And soon an old man of 73 yeai's, who had lived on 
that farm 44 years, and was known as a quiet, peaceable, 
pious man, was led in. He had been driven from home, 
by threats of rebel vengeance, to seek refuge in the caves 
and secluded retreats of those dismal mountains. 

We got supper, and, wedged in among the rocks, slept 
till 3 o'clock ; a detail in the meantime scouring about to 
find the wounded man of the day before. What became 
of him can only be conjectured from the official report. 

Sunday night found us with over fifty recruits. They 
came to us all day Monday, like doves to the windows. In 
the evening we had speeches by Col. Streight, Adjutant 
Ramsey and Hon. Chris. Sheets ; the latter having been a 
member of the convention in which Alabama seceded, and 
prominent among the few who firmly refused to sign the 
ordnance of secession. He presented the al)solute alterna- 
tive of being forced into an army with which they liad no 
sympathy, and fighting those they loved, for a cause they 



60 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

hated ; or joining the Union army, and contending against 
a foe to God and man, and that must be put down before 
peace, quietude and prosperity coiild again prevail. Said 
he, "To-morrow I am going to the Union army. I am 
going to expose this fiendish viHainy before the world !" 

During the colonel's speech, in one of his wild flights 
he said, ''If I had the scoundrelly rebels, I would hang 
them so high — hang them so high — their feet would n't 
touch the ground ! " 

HEART-RENDING SCENES. 

Tuesday morning , our time being up , we were forced 
to return to camp, 31 or 32 miles. About 7 o'clock a com- 
pany of twenty men were seen approaching, preceded by a 
woman. They were received with cheers of delight. The 
woman told, with streaming eyes, how she had passed the 
guerrillas, to find her husband and son, 34 miles back in 
the mountains. She was 55 years old, and rode a poor 
old horse ; yet she had made the trip in thirty hours ; at 
the same time hunting for other friends, and cooking their 
breakfast. There were few dry eyes in that camp. 

The final moment then came to start. The men were 
formed in line — 150 in all, and the time came to say good- 
bye — to leave those families to the merciless cruelty and 
outrage that all feared. 

' ' Attention ! Forward march ! ' ' 

A wild shriek — sobs and pitiful pleadings to heaven ; 
and we moved away from a scene of suffering that it is not 
X)ossible to describe. 

Darkness came on us seven miles below Decatur, and 
we bivouacked for the night ; arriving at Decatur about 6 
o'clock next morning. 

The Alabamians were formed into a battalion, and 
were subsequently assigned to the 1st Tennessee Cavalry. 
Col. Streight asked for permission to return to the same 
place with his regiment, with two weeks' rations and 500 



COLONEL STREIGHT's REPORT. 61 

extra stands of arms , and rally the mountaineers ; but was 
refused. 

COLONEL STREIGHT's OFFICIAL REPORT. 

f " Hdqrs. 51st Ind. Vol., 

t Camp near Mooresville, July 16, 1802. 

While ill command at Decatur, there were several small parties of 
loyal Alabamians who came into our lines, begging me to give them 
protection and a chance to defend the flag of our country. The tale of 
suffering and misery, as told by eacli as they arrived, was in itself a la- 
mentable history of the deplorable condition of the Union people of the 
South. Notwithstanding the oft repeated assertion that there was a 
strong Union sentiment in portions of the cotton States, I had long since 
given up all hopes of finding the people entertaining it ; hence I was at 
first incredulous as to what they said, and even suspicious that they were 
spies belonging to the enemy, but as their numbers increased, each cor- 
roborating the story of the other, I at last became convinced that the 
matter was worthy of notice. 

About this time (10th Inst.,) I was informed by a courier that there 
was a party of about 40 men some 5 or 6 miles toward the mountain, 
trying to come to us, and about the same number of the enemy's cavalry 
were between them and Decatur, trying to intercept and capture them. 
As my orders were to defend the town only, I did not feel at liberty to 
send out assistance to the Union men, without further orders ; and there 
being no telegraph communication with you, I at once informed Gen. 
Buell by telegraph, of the circumstances, whereupon I received the fol- 
lowing reply : 

'Huntsville, Ala., — 1862. 

Col. A. D. Streight, 51st Ind. Vol.: 

Send out what force you deem suflicient to assist the Union 
men in, and drive off' the rebel cavalry, and see that they are not play- 
ing a trick to draw you out by these reports. 

James B. Fry, Col. and Chief of Staff? 

Owing to a storm that was passing over the telegraph lines at the 
time, the above was not received until near three hours after I sent Cen, 
Buell the first dispatch. As soon as I received the foregoing instructions 
from Col. Fry, I at once ordered 3 companies of my regiment, under 
Maj. Colescott, to cross the river with their arms and full 40 rounds of 
cartridges. This was done in the least possible time, but just as the 3 
companies were in line ready to march, another courier arrived, stating 
that the Alabama boys had succeeded in avoiding the rebels and had got 
within our lines; but a short time elapsed before they arrived. Such 
were the manifestations of joy and gladness exhibited by them, that all 
doubts were fully expelled from my mind, wheriaip(/n I resolved to go to 
the assistance of those who were left Ijehind, providing 1 could get per- 
mission to do so. Consequently I telegraphed the following : 



62 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

' Decatur, Ala., July 10, 1862. 

CoL J. B. Fri], A. A. G. and Chief of Staff: 

8iR : I have the honor to report to you that the party 
of Alahama volunteers has just arrived, and 40 of them have been mus- 
tered into the service of the United States. Their accounts of the hard- 
ships endured are suflScient to enlist the sympathies of the hardest heart. 
They re^wrt that there are several hundred who would come but for the 
danger of passing from the foot of the mountain here, some 25 miles 
distant. If you will give me one company of cavalry to take with my 
regiment, I am fully satisfied that I could, by going, say 15 miles toward 
the foot of the mountains, and then sending out a few of these new 
recruits to notify their neighbors, within four days time bring back with 
me at least 500 volunteers. If you will allow me to make the experi- 
ment, my word for it I will return safely with my command. 
I am, sir, your most obt. servt., 

A. D. Stkeight, Col. 51st I. V.' 

Nothing was heard from the foregoing dispatch till about 2 p. M., the 
next day, (July 11,) when Capt. Lennard handed me the following com- 
munication from Col. Fry to Gen. Wood, with verbal instructions to 
carry out its provisions: 

' Hdqks. Huntsville, Ala., July 11, 1862. 

Gen. Wood: Col. 8treight reports that there are several hundred 
men about 25 miles south of Decatur, who are trying to come on to join 
our army, and Col. Streight is anxious to go with his regiment to bring 
them in. You can order an expedition of this kind. In doing so, it will 
be necessary to send another regiment to take Col. Streight's place near 
Decatur. It will not be practicable for you to cross cayalry over to send, 
but the Colonel can take any cavalry that may be at Decatur. Instruct 
Col. Streiglit to be cautious, and not expose his command to ambuscade 
or surprise or to attack from superior force. He should not be gone more 
than 3 or 4 days, and must take no baggage. He must be careful and 
not let the people suppose that his presence indicates a permanent occu- 
pation, and thus lead tliem into demonstrations for which the rebels 
would make them sulTer after our withdrawal. Give such orders for the 
details and precautionary instructions as the case may seem to you to 
require. Jas. B. Fry, Col. and Ch. of Staff".' 

Upon the receipt of the above, I proceeded to get my command in 
readiness for the expedition as quickly as possible. Four days' I'ations 
were ordered, and one camp-kettle to each company. The haversacks 
holding only 3 days' rations, we tilled the kettles and buckets out of the 
remainder, ami decided to get along as best we could under the circum- 
stances. Tlie guides were selected to conduct us to the Union settlement, 
who were also to act as couriers to inform their friends of tlie nature of 
our mission. There were but 16 men and the captain of Co. D, 1st Ohio 
Cav., at Decatur, who were also put m readiness to march. 

In accordance with these arrangements, we moved off" at daylight 



STREIGHt's report of DAVIS ' GAP. 'o'^ 

on tliti 12tli inst., in the (liroetion of a place call eel Davi.s' (Jap, .some!) 
miles southeast of Danville, and 25 south of Decatur. Tiie cavalry were 
thrown out in advance a suitable distance, to give notice ot the approach 
of an enemy, and a .-.trong advance and rear guard was at all times kept 
in readiness for immediate action. When we had proceeded some 12 
miles on our way, being unable to hear anything of the enemy, I (>rdered 
the captain commanding the cavalry to proceed with his command in 
advance with 3 of the guides, and escort them as far toward Davis' Gap 
as he should deem safe, so as to allow the guides to give the information 
to the Union people that we were coming. I gave him the most positive 
Instructions to make diligent inquiry' relative to the enemy, and to go no 
farther than he could with perfect safety, and as soon as he arrived near 
enough to the mountains to enable the guides to get through, he should 
fall back at once and rejoin me, I at this time having ascertained that it 
would in all probability be necessary for me to go about 23 miles, instead 
of 15, the distance I at first expected, but did not expect to be able to get 
through the first day. 

Under these instructions he proceeded somewhat faster than the 
infantry could march, consequently when he arrived some 22 miles from 
Decatur, (10 miles from where he left us,) he was probably not more 
than 5 or 6 miles ahead of my regiment; but it l)eing very hot in the 
middle of the day, we halted to rest ; expecting the cavalry to rejoin us, 
as ordered. In direct disobedience to my orders, the cavalry spent about 
an hour's time in scouting about the country after they had escorted the 
guides to within 3 miles of the mountains, after which they stopped at a 
Mr. Mentor's house, and ordered dinner; there they spent about 3 hours 
more. The captain was warned wl>en he first arrived in the neighbor- 
hood, that 40 of the enemy's cavalry were within 6 miles of him ; yet, 
with these facts before him, as T have above shown, he spent nearly four 
hours in the neighborhood of Mr. Mentor's house; a suflicient time to 
have returned to Decatur, if necessary, much less to rejoin me. 

About 5 : 30 o'clock he was attacked by upward of 40 of the enemy's 
cavalry and guerrillas. Here again his conduct seems to have been very 
injudicious, for although there were several log buildings that he could 
have held against any force the enemy could bring to bear against him, 
yet, instead of occu^Dying them, after exchauging a few shots, in which 
one of his men was wounded, and 2 of the enemy killed and 2 wounded, 
he ordered a retreat across the field, which seems to have been accom- 
plislied very precipitately, especially when taking into consideration the 
fact that the enemy did not jnn-sue him but a few rods, and that too on 
foot. Four of his men got lost from the balance. He proceeded in a 
westerly circuitous route to Decatur, where he arrived the evening of the 
same day with 12 of liis men. 

In the meantime I had arrived to within 2 uiiles of the place where 
he was attacked, before the enemy had left, and I think I would have 
been in time to have done them justice, had I not halted to chastise some 



64" FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

guerrillas wlio had the itnpiulenoe to fire into my rear guard ; but as it 
was, we arrived just in time to see the chivalry put spurs to their horses 
{ind leave hurriedly to the eastward, thus showing conclusively that the 
enemy did not follow our cavalry. We bivouacked that night 23 miles 
from Decatur, and within 1 mile of where the skirmish took place. 

The next day was spent in ascertaining what we could relative to the 
extent of the damage done to the cavalry and in notifying the people in 
the mountains that they could now have a chance to join the Union 
army. I ascertained the loss of our cavalry in the engagement to be 1 
man missing, who when last seen, some 2 miles from where the skir- 
misii took place, vvas wounded in the thigh (not seriously,) and 1 taken 
prisoner, 1 horse killed and 1 (lisal)led. Three cavalrymen came in early 
in the morning witiiout horse^s but our boys succeeded in finding the 
horses and equipments near where they were left. The captain's sword 
was also found about 100 rods from where the fight occurred. 

I soon became convinced that the time set for me to return was in- 
sufficient for me to accomplish the object of my mission. The news of 
the defeat of our cavalry spread over the country like a fire on a prairie, 
causing great consternation among the Union people and boldness on 
the part of the guerrillas. The guides became frightened, and it was very 
difticult to induce them to leave my command. However, after laboring 
under all these difficulties, we succeeded in bringing back with us 150 
volunteers. Heveral small parties that started to join us failed to get 
there in time. One party, numbering 34 men, were within 20 miles of 
us at daylight the morning we left, and although a messenger arrived, 
giving me that information when we had marched but a short distance 
on our return, yet T was ordered to return within 4 daj's time, and could 
wait no longer. 

At 11 A. M. yesterday we took up our line of march for Decatur, and 
when we liad proceeded about 4 miles from our encampment we were 
informed that the enemy's cavalry about 500 strong, w^ere posted at the 
crossing of the road, about 1 mile ahea,d. Tiie country being thickly 
wooded, I had nothing to fear from mounted men, but supposing that 
they might dismount and act as infantry, I deployed Cos. A and F on 
each side of the road in advance as skirmishers, at the same time order- 
ing Co. D forward in tiie road to form a reserve, and also to deploy 6 men 
in advance to act as signal-men, 1 company having been previously 
detailed to act as rear guard. They too were ordered to throw out skir- 
mishers on the flanks, to avoiu an undiscovered approach from either of 
these directions. The Alabamians had previously been placed next to 
the rear guard. Having advanced the skirmishers and advance reserves 
some 400 yards, I ordered the whole battalion to move forward, each in- 
dividual and company to keep their relative position!?. In this order we 
proceeded, but as we approached the position occupied by the enemy, 
they fled before us without firing a gun. 

It now became apparent to me that the intention of the enemy was 



CAPTAIN writer's OFFICIAL REPORT. 65 

to harass our riuircli, aiul as theeoutiti'y was mostly wooded, I concluded 
to continue the march in the order above referred to, thus avoiding the 
possibility of running into an ambuscade or of being surprised. Tlie en- 
emy fell back as we approached, for about 2 miles, when they turned 
eastward. For some time afterward I was expecting a demonstration 
upon our rear, and made preparations accordingly. We proceeded to 
march in this manner for 12 miles, frequently relieving the sl<irmishers 
Ijy sending out others, without further molestation. It was now getting 
dark, and we were within 7 miles of Decatur, when we concluded to 
bivouac for the night. Strong pickets were tiirown out in every ap- 
proachable direction. Tlie boys were allowed to sleep till 3 o'clock next 
morning, when they were awakened, and as soon as it was daylight we 
were t)n our way, and arrived at Decatur at 6:30 a.m., bringing baclv 
every member of my regiment who went with us. 

The misunderstanding, by reason of which the 1st 
Oliio Cavah'y squad got so far in advance of our regiment, 
cost the ''critter-back" fellows a great deal. Coming to a 
farm-house, they were prevailed upon to eat dinner. They 
did what good soldiers should never do, laid their weapons 
aside, feeling secure, and applied themselves to the enjoy- 
ment of the hospitality of the mistress. While absorbed 
thus, they "were surrounded by bushwhackers, and had a 
narrow escape from death or capture. Our advance came 
up just in time to save them. The captain and a few of 
his men made their way back to Decatur. The report that 
the captain died there, is not correct, as is shown. 

REPORT OF CAPT. S. C. WRITER, IST OHIO CAVALRY. 

" Decatur Ala., July 16, 18«)2. 

Col. Minor MiLLiKiiiN, 

Conidf/. l.sf 0/no Cav.: 

T should have sent you the following official infor- 
mation with regard to my late expedition sooner, but I did not until this 
morning learn the full details from some of my men who were detairuil 
with the infantry regiment which accompanied us at tlie time of starting. 

Late on Friday evening, the lltli. Col. Streight, of the 51st Indiana, 
informed me that be bad received permission from (tcu. Buell to march 
his regiment 24 miles into the hills, and remain four days, for the |)ur- 
poso of recruiting its numbers, as many bad already come in, and many 
more would come in, were they protected from the busjiwliackers in their 
immediate neighborhood, and also received permission from the general 
to take any cavalry be might find upon tiiis side of the river. 

We left Decatur the following morning, at sunrise, and went out six 



()6 



FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



miles. Vo\. Streight then ordered that I should take five of the new re- 
cruits whicli had accompanied us, and escort them through to Col. Davis', 
17 miles farther on, with my cavalry, which consisted of 1 sergeant, 2 
corponilsand 11 privates, carrying in all 12 guns. I was instructed when 
I arrived at Col, Davis', to impress any number of horses that they 
tiiought they might require to ride all through the country to inform 
Union men wisliing to join our army, that he was there, ready to receive 
them, they to go on that night, and require a change of horses, it being 
considered too hard a day's work to use the horses they had that day 
I'idden through. 

At the time of parting with Col. Streight, he told me that his regi- 
ment would undoubtedly come up with me that night ; but if it did not, 
and J considered it dangerous to remain tliere alone, to fall hack upon his 
regiment. 

I arrived near Col. Davis' all safe, put out ))ickets, fed horses, and 
sent forward 3 men and procured horses for 3 others. I supposed at the 
time I reached Col. Davis' the infantry was 8 or 10 miles back. The 
place we selected to feed was a farmyard, well fortified by eorn-ci'ibs, 
stable's, ben-bouses and pig-pens, and migiit easMy nave been held, had 
had any respectable number of men. I suppose I had been there alto- 
gether 20 hours, when T beard an alarm firing from our rear pickets. 
We immediatelv mounted our horses, rode out to the pickets, and found 
the enemy were appr(>aching us with some force mounted, and a very 
considerable force dismounted, and deploying riglit and left of the road, 
under cover of the woods and a rail fence, evidently intending to flanlt 
us on all sides and capture us. I then ordered the men to return to the 
barn-yard, tie up the horses, and lake position l)ehind our defenses, and 
defend ourselves as best we could. The men fired steady and with pre- 
cision, and staid their advance for the time being ; but as their force was 
being constantly augmented from the woods, I finally gave the order to 
mount and make our retreat, that being the only way I could the!i see to 
save our horses. We retreated toward the woods parallel with their line, 
they keeping up a constant firing, it being the only route left open to us. 
While running the gauntlet, 3 men were wounded, one in tbethigli, two 
about tlie head ; tlie latter 2 not seriously. Two horses were shot and 
disabled, and left behind. 

When we readied the woods, I gave directions that we should turn 
the enemy's flank, go back by their rear, and join the infantry on the 
Decatur road, which I tlien sujiposed to be about 4 miles back of where 
we bad the skirmish. 1 then for the first time discovered tiiat5of my 
men were missing, and supi)osed that they had got scattered from the 
main body, and would join the infantry that night or in tlie morning. 
The country tbrougli which we retreated, was a secession, guerrilla 
neighborhood, and when within 22 miles of the main road, four more 
shots were fired upon us, and one of my men had his saber and scabbard 
shot entirely off" the belt. One mile farther on, 1 was shot, the ball en- 



MOVING A LOCOMOTIVE. 67 

teriiig the body near the upper point of the liip-boue, traversing down 
and around the hip, lodging on the inside of the thigli, nearly one-third 
of the way down to thy knee, giving me a gutishot wound in my body 
of considerably over one foot in length. I then determined to change 
m^' course, and come into camp by a by-road, which I did that night by 
12 o'clock, having ridden 18 miles after being shot. 

Three of my missing men returned this morning, and state that they 
made their way to the infantry the next forenoon. They report 2 men 
still missing, one having been taken prisoner, and the other either a pris- 
oner or killed, they were not able to say positively which. 

I have lost 3 horses, (2 shot and disabled, and the third taken witli 
tlie prisoner,) 2 full horse equipments, 2 carbines, 3 sabers and 4 pistols. 
The enemy had between 75 and 100 men, and report 2 killed and 2 se- 
verely wounded upon their side. >S. C. Writer, 

Capt. Comdg. Co. T, 1st Ohio Cav. 

There api^ears to be a slight discrepancy in the above 
reports. You pay your money and take your choice. Cap- 
tain Writer makes a very long story about a very short 
squad ; but the fact that he was afterward promoted to be 
major and lieutenant-colonel of his regiment, proves that 
he was certainly regarded as a brave soldier. The reports, 
so far as they relate to the cavalry squad, are each entitled 
to a little salt. 

MOVING A LOCOMOTIVE. 

While Colonel Streight was perfecting his plan for the 
relief of the mountaineers, an incident occurred, that ought 
to have been mentioned before, and that illustrates the 
capacity of our regiment for anything it might be called on 
to do. The rebels had run a locomotive over the bridge at 
Decatur just before it was burned, and left if standing on 
the track, near the river. Gen. Wood ordered the Fifty- 
First to move it across the river. Accordingly, the regi- 
ment fitted up a flatboat and moved it near the abutment. 
Strong ropes were then fastened to the engine, a track was 
built of planks to the boat, and 500 men let the ponderous 
machine down the bank, floated it across the river, and 
put it safely on the track, on the other side, without an 
accident. Just as we reached the south bank, a company 



G8 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

ofv rebel cavalry clashed up to where the engine had stood, 
and took a few shots at us, but no one was hurt. 

Col. Streight to Col. Fry, A. A. G.: 

"Decatur, July 9, 1862. 
I liave succeeded in safely lauding the engine Sam Cruse on this 
shore of the river. When I arrived here yesterday, about 1 p. M., the 
boat that was to convey tlie engine was but partially framed. Since then 
we have completed the boat, launched it, and she has made a successful 
trip, with her valuable cargo." 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN. 

We took passage from Mooresville in box cars on the 
Memphis and Charleston road. The engine was insuffi- 
cient to pull the train up the grades ; and the colonel would 
order the boys out to "push her up," which they did with 
a will ; jumping on at the top to ride down the other side. 
In the meantime they busied themselves gathering the fine 
peaches that grew in volunteer bountifulness all along the 
road . 

Monday morning, August 11, we were at Stevenson, 
Alabama, with orders to prepare for a four days' scout. 
We had torn down many houses for timbers, with which 
we erected fortifications, and were momentarily expecting 
an attack. Co. C made a detour in the direction of Hunts- 
ville, and brought in 200 negroes, who were put to work 
on the fortifications. This force was supplemented by one 
of 300 more "contrabands" from other directions, and the 
work moved along briskly. The soldiers were delighted 
with this new policy, and the darkies were equally so, the 
only drawback to the latter 's hapj^iness being a dread of 
having to return to their old masters. 

Our regiment yelled at everything they saw or heard. 
When another regiment passed, they yelled at them ; they 
scared the darkies almost to death, with their yelling; as 
they tumbled out to roll-call in the morning, they yelled ; 
as they marched out of camp, their voices went up in a 
muscular whoop, that made the foliage tremble like a leaf; 



MISPLACED CONFIDENCE. 69 

when they returned, after a hard day's scouting, tliey were 
never too tired to hail the end of their task with a joyous 
yell. If a mule broke loose and ran away, his speed was 
accelerated by a volley of yells all along the line ; and if a 
dog happened to come their way, they made it livelier for 
him than could the most resonant can that ever adorned 
his tail. Indeed, our whole army was blessed with this 
remarkable faculty. Sometimes a yell would start in at 
one end of the division, and regiment after regiment, and 
brigade after brigade, would take it up and carry it along ; 
then send it back to the other end ; few knowing what it 
was about, or caring less. 

MISPLACED CONFIDENCE. 

Henry Moore and Henry Kirk were natural foragers. 
At Stevenson they got acquainted with an old fellow named 
Osborn, who had two bright, good looking daughters. He 
was an old rebel, and our boys had but little respect for 
him. The old man had two fine cows, however, and those 
two soldiers conceived the idea of milking them. They 
learned that the family were late risers ; so they visited the 
barn quite early each morning, and being used to milking 
at home, they had no difficulty in relieving the well-filled 
udders before any of the family were up. The next time 
the boys called on tlie ladies, tlie old man complained to 
them about the soldiers milking his cows. They sympa- 
thized with him, and said it was a shame that the soldiers 
should do such things ; and finally agreed to help liim to 
discover them. Some days after that, Amos Warrick, who 
had been home, returned, and as he messed and bunked 
with tliese boys, they found their bunk too small. Kirk at 
once thought of Osborn's barn door ; and, although it was 
midnight, they turned out and got the door, and put it in 
the bottom of their shanty before they went to sleep. Next 
morning they were quite late in going for their milk, and, 
though they escaped the Osborns, they did not get back till 



70 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

after roll-call. For this tiiey were put on ''extra duty," 
and were set to ''policing" the company quarters. As the 
company commander, Captain Russell, was gettini;; milk 
of tliem every day, the duty was light. While they were 
at their task, Mr. Osborn came into camp. Finding them 
at such employment, he asked another soldier the cause of 
it, and was told that they had been out milking cows. He 
"caught on" at once, and being directed to their shanty, he 
found liis barn door under their blankets. Thereupon he 
sailed up to headquarters, and informed Col. Streight of it. 
As the colonel and adjutant were also flavoring their daily 
coffee with this same brand of milk, Ramsey put the old 
fellow under arrest for insulting them with such an accusa- 
tion, and made him carry a rail for an hour. Kirk and 
Moore didn't call on the Osborn family after that ; and the 
daily supply of milk was discontinued. Mr. Osborn 's cows 
were not disturbed any more . 

Stevenson, July 22, 1862 : It was very hot and dry. 
Capt. W.N. Denny, son of old Captain Denny, of Co. E, 
was proiTioted to be major of our regiment. 

While out one night, scouting for some cattle that had 
been brought across the river at that point, the regiment 
came to a dry creek. There was an old canoe lying there, 
and the chaplain sat down on it to rest. At the same mo- 
ment a frog jumped up his pants, causing such a tumult, 
that the colonel, who rode by just then, supposed he had a 
convulsion . 

"buck fever." 

A detachment of the regiment was sent to Crow Creek, 
six miles east of Stevenson, to guard a small bridge on the 
railroad. While there, a regiment of rebel cavalry was 
reported in the neighborhood, and additional vigilance was 
observed against surprise. One night, while on picket, a 
vidette, whose name is withheld by request, saw in the dis- 
tant gloaming what to him was a stalwart rebel sneaking, 
half-bent, toward the very spot where the Union soldier 



AT STKVENSON. 7l 

stood, under tlie shelter of a large bush. The vidette was 
excited, and took what old huniers know as ''buck fever." 
On came the enemy, now and then raising his head to peer 
about, and get his bearings, then plunging forward among 
the tall weeds, then stopping to listen. At lengtji the foe 
had gained the road, on the opposite side of which was sta- 
tioned the vidette, and as he turned down the track, the 
sentinel caught his breath, then depressed his bayonet and 
sprang upon the enemy, that with a yelp of surprise and 
agony, bounded away in the direction whence it came. It 
was an inotfensive big "yaller" dog, whose hunger had at- 
tracted him to the camp. 

The pernicious and disgusting habit of snuff-dipping 
first attracted our attention here. It is universal among 
the women of every class in the South, as chewing gum is 
among the girls in the North. A small vessel, like a mus- 
tard or baking-powder box, is used to hold the vile stuff, 
and is frequently of silver, with gold lining. A small swab 
about the size of a lead pencil, and made of soft pine, is 
formed by chewing an inch of the end of the stick until it 
resembles the brush on the end of a mule's tail. This is 
moistened so as to make the snuff adhere, then thrust into 
the mouth, and rubbed along the teeth. It was quite com- 
mon to see ladies of tiie best society, calling for an hour, 
produce from their reticule a fancy box and stick, and take 
a dip of snuff. 

Our boys will never forget the religious services held 
by the negroes in their camp near the fortifications upon 
which they were employed. They felt doubtless very much 
like the Children of Israel did at the crossing of the Red 
Sea. They believed that their day of deliverance was at 
hand, though they couldn't conceive how such a marvelous 
thing Avas to be accomplished. Their songs were strangely 
musical, and the weird sounds of voices that responded to 
the ])rayers of the white-wooled veterans, who had been for 
many long years ] (leading for di'liverance from bondage, 



72 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RE(;iMENT. 

seemed almost to come from anothor world. Here is one 
of the prayers , exactly as it was uttered : 

"0, Lo'd, Massa, come to dis e'th; an' when yo' do 
come, git on de fas'es' hoss yo' kin fin' ; an' 0, Lo'd, don' 
run ner gallop, but jest trot all roun' dis e'th, till dese aw 
sinnehs is converted an' Massa Linkum's sojers whip all 
de secesh !" 

"syntax" and "prosody." 

So pressing were the needs of our hospital department, 
that the entire country through which we passed was laid 
under contribution for "contrabands" to perform the mul- 
tifarious domestic and mechanical duties connected with 
that branch of the service. Among a number taken fi'oni 
the farm of Senator Gates, in Northern Alabama, were two 
likely young men, who were immediately christened "Syn- 
tax" and "Prosody." The latter was possessed of more 
than ordinary intelligence, and was a kind of preacher 
among his fellow slaves. He was often called upon to talk 
at headquarters. One of his favorite subjects was "How 
de enemy didn' cotch de Lo '<,!." He said, "Da was a mity 
conflic 'tween de enemy an' de Lo'd. De enemy was a 
pressin' ha'd on de Lo'd — pressin' ha'd on 'im. Den de 
Lo'd fool 'im. De Lo'd come to a blacksmif shop ; an' he 
'light his mule, an' he say to de blacksmif, 'Slip dem 
shoes; put 'em 'hind side 'fore.' So he slip 'em, an' put 
'em on 'hin' side 'fore ; an' w'en de enemy struck de trail, 
he thought de Lo'd was goiii' de oder way. So de enemy 
was alius goin' de rong drection, an' didn' cotch de Lo'd." 

Tuesday morning, 12tli, a detachment of our regiment 
went to Woodville, a little station between Stevenson and 
Huntsville, where we were joined by a small detachment of 
cavalry, and another of artillery. As no enemy appeared, 
we soon interested ourselves in .supplying our private com- 
missary department. There was no lack of peaches, corn, 
apples, chickens, hams, honey, eggs, etc., and it required 
only courage to go out after them. So, for a brief season 



QITEER CHARACTERS. 73 

we lived fat. It was near here that Col. Bob McCook was 
murdered by cowardly ]-el)el bushwhackers, and the awful 
results were seen on every hand, evidences of the hatred 
of his devoted boys, in the burned and demolished houses 
belonging to the fine plantations. 

" WEASEL." 'Monty pete." the tables turned. 

''Weasel" was an attenuated, withered specimen of 
humanity, with the patriotism and courage of a giant, but 
lacking mental and physical ability to carry them out. He 
was frequently made the butt of his unthinking comrades, 
who would 1)1 ay the most irritating, though never cruel, 
pranks on him. While waiting for his coffee to boil, some 
one would divert his attention from it, while another com- 
rade, with a hooked stick would quietly walk off with his 
coffee-bucket. When "Weasel" turned again, and found 
his coffee gone, his wrath was unbounded; and he would 
hurl all sorts of anathemas at his persecutor, whom he 
threatened to kill, "if possible !" During the Stone River 
fight, he spied a knapsack that liad been discarded by a 
comrade, and stopping short, he deliberately ransacked it, 
finding tiiere some tobacco, with which he filled his pipe, 
and lit it . 

"Jonty Pete" was a character. Bold, careless and in- 
dependent, he would have made an excellent scout. He 
was in the war for the fun of it, and was indifferent as to 
the methods of securing his share. He had been banged 
about all his life, and always bore the air of one expecting 
a sharp clap of thunder, or that some one would suddenly 
punch him in the ribs ; ready to jump, bullfrog fashion, 
without taking time to come to a perpendicular. Quiet 
and smooth-tongued, he was 

"The mildest niannered man 
That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat." 

He was one of those fellows who could eat and talk at the 
same time. He alwavs got his share of rations, whenever 



74 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

he could get up a hot discussion in the mess at meal time. 
He went from Brownsburg, and deserted at Murfreesboro, 
while we were building fortifications, just after the battle 
of Stone River. His name does not appear on any of the 
company rolls ; but in Co. A, 80th Indiana, the record of 
''Jonathan Peters, deserted Jan. 8, '65," appears, without 
residence or date of enlistment. It may have been only a 
coincidence, though, and not our Jonathan Peterson. He 
was a prime forager, and so persistent was lie in this, that 
he came very near being captured several times . He went 
fishing one day, and forgot to come back. 

The next day after our arrival at Woodville, he and 
"Weasel" and others were out, and met with excellent suc- 
cess in foraging. A large quantity of milk, honey, butter 
and chickens was discovered, and they were taking peace- 
able possession, when an old clay-colored hag appeared on 
the scene, and proceeded to dispossess the invaders. But 
they wouldn't be dispossessed ; and sent her back to her 
lines with colors slightly trailing. She threatened them 
with her ''old man," who she said was on "tother side o' 
the river, tendin' the crap," and who would "make you'ns 
all know we-uns-all won't be rin over by no nasty stinkin' 
Yanks." Other boys had brought in several bushels of 
fine-looking peaches, but they were too hard for use, and 
lay in piles about camp. 

That evening, a snaky-looking old fellow came into 
camp, cursing the boys all roundly, and inquiring for the 
"Giner'l." He was directed to Lieut .-Col. Colescott, who 
was in command, and to him he began a tirade of abuse of 
the Government and the soldiers ; swearing vengeance on 
the fellows who stole his chickens and other stuff, and had 
insulted his "old woman." The officer gave the old bush- 
whacker one look ; then he said, "Well, sir, what do you 
expect? You devils have stolen everything you've got, 
and have committed murders enough to shame old Satan 
himself. Now you git ! (presenting his revolver,) and be 



HOW TO MANAGE (iUERRILLAS^ . ih 

quiet till you get out, or I won't answer for consequences." 
Seeing a crowd of soldiers approaching, he called Sergeant 
Wni. Kelly, on duty, and said, ''Take this man outside of 
camp, before the boys hang him !" This changed the old 
fellow's manner ; and he made g tumultuous rush for lib- 
erty. As he went, some of the unregenerate, who heard 
the conversation, rallied on the piles of hard peaches, and 
pelted him with them until he was out of sight. The last 
seen of him, his long legs were swinging lively, and his 
coat-tails snapping merrily in the soft evening air. 

A GUERRJLLA CONVERTED. 

One night Billy Tout and John P. Siiiith went to the 
home of the guerrilla, Wilhite, to capture his fine blooded 
mare. The guerrilla was absent, but his wife was there, 
and with a shotgun in her hand , declared she would shoot 
the first man who attempted to bridle the mare. A pistol 
pointed at her, however, proved a< great persuader ; and 
the mare was led to Col. Streight's quarters, without blood 
being shed. Next morning the guerrilla came into camp, 
and the colonel read him a severe lecture on his disloyalty ; 
and told him he should be hung. At this the fellow turned 
pale and began to beg. The colonel asked him Avhy he 
was doing thus. He replied that he had been reading a 
book called ''Helper," and Avas "opposed to freeing the 
niggers." 

"If I give you your mare, now, will you go home and 
behave?" 

The color returned to the checks of tlie wretch, as he 
replied, "I'm cussed ef I don't do it !"' 

He left our camp on his nuire ; and was for the Union 
ever after. 

Another night, a negro came intocamj), and informed 
these same comrades that he knew where six or seven des- 
perate guerrillas were going to stay that night. Our boys 
concluded to capture their horses, which the tlarkey said 



76 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RP^GIMENT. 

were fine ones. It was a daring- undertaking, but they 
were not afraid ; so they gave tlie darkey a doUar and a 
pocket-knife to take them to tlie house where the guerrillas 
were. They reached the place about 9 o'clock that night, 
and found the men having a good time in the house. Our 
boys went to the stable, bridled two of the best horses, and 
mounted them. The darkey, in the meantime, had let the 
bars down ; and when tliey came out, he got up before one 
of them. With revolvers in their hands, tliey whispered 
to the darkey, ''Now lead out foi- camp, or we'll cut your 
throat." 

"Don' kill me,masta.li; I's gwine take you-uns right 
to you-uns camp !" replied tlie terrified darkey. 

They arrived safely about midniglit, witliout disturb- 
ing the pickets. John P. joresented the mare he rode to 
Dr. Collins. A stranger came into camp a few days after, 
and being attracted by the -animal, inquired where she was 
from. Smith told him that he got her from a man named 
Fugate, of Warren county, Missouri. The name "Fugate" 
stuck to John P. all through the service. 

THE CHASE AFTER BRAGG. 

About the 1st of September, 1862, the style of our or- 
ganization omitted "Department of the Mississippi;" but 
it didn't make our load any lighter, nor marching easier. 

From Stevenson we went to Battle Creek. It was at 
this place that our boys first talked with the rebel pickets, 
across the river ; and tliere was the first place we heard the 
term "johnny" applied to them. 

One peculiarity of tlie war was the result of a common 
necessity on both sides. Frequently the only source of fuel 
or water lay directly between the two armies, and neither 
of them could have been supplied, but for the expedient 
adopted by the pickets, and ignored by those in command. 
As soon as such a contingency was discovered, the pickets 
would call across to each other, and agree to not shoot nor 



THE CHASE AFTER BRAGG. 77 

interfere in any manner witli those getting water from tlie 
spring, or rails from the fence. Also newspapers, tobacco 
and other articles were exchanged. When a new relief 
came on, the truce was continued, unless a special order 
was issued on either side. Then that side would call out, 
as they relieved the old pickets : 

"Johnny, we've got orders to shoot." 

"All right, yanks ; hunt yer holes." 

"Well, you rebs want to skedaddle in a hurry." 

" Go to — , yanks ! Let 'er go ! " 

Whiz went a ball in response to this defi ; and a lively 
fusilade ensued. Rarely any one was ever hit, though, at 
such a time ; and the next relief would likely renew the 
truce . 

Then we advanced to a point above Jasper, and thence 
over the Cumberland Mountain, where we lost nearly all of 
our baggage ; thence through Manchester, Murfreesboro, 
Nashville, Gallatin, Mitchellville, Franklin, Ky., and to 
Bowling Green ; marching over 3G miles the last day, and 
arriving at the last named place at 6 o'clock on the morn- 
ing of September 11. 

We subsisted at this time on quarter rations, because 
our cracker-line was broken by the rebel cavalry, and at 
Pelham everything that could not be carried on our backs, 
was destroyed. The marches were hard, and were only 
enlivened by an occasional skirmish. Water was hard to 
get from here on, and much of it was very poor at that. 
We struck a peanut patch one night, our camp being right 
over it ; and it was fun to see the boys jabbing with their 
bayonets all over that field, and roasting tlie nuts in the 
fire. Nearly every one thought peanuts grew on bushes, 
like blackberries or currants, and were astonished as their 
bayonets turned them out of the ground, like so many di- 
minutive potatoes . 

Our boys would fight as readily for i-ations as for auy- 
thino; else. Thev could stand half-rations, although that 



78 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

seemed hard in a land of plenty ; but when our supply was 
clean cut off, and we began to feel the gnawing of empty 
stomachs, no amount of travel, nor exposure, nor fighting 
w^as too much. And no tongue can describe the delight 
we experienced wdien the word came that communication 
was reopened. 

General Sherman's Memoirs, vol. 2, p. 11, says, ''To 
feed an army of 100,000 men and 30,000 animals, and 
keep it in ammunition and other needful things, required 
130. car loads, of 10 tons each, per day. These had to be 
transported a long distance frequently. Every mile of this 
was guarded. Often the line was cut, and then the sol- 
diers had to go on half rations." 

During the afternoon of the day before we reached 
Bowling Green, we halted for the j)urpose of butchering 
and baking. Flour was issued to each company, pro rata. 
The manner of proceeding in the writer's company was as 
follows : There w^as barely enough baking powder, or soda, 
to go around, without any wastage. Two experts made up 
all the dough on the tailgate of the company wagon, and 
gave each comrade a chunk, which he patted out on a flat 
rail or board, like a "short-cake," and stuck it up to the 
fire to bake. Our beef was salted in a lump, and roasted 
on the end of a stick , over a rail fire . Then W' e marched 
all night long, and were so completely fagged out at times, 
that we jostled each other and staggered like drunken men. 
Henry Welshans and the writer slung their guns on their 
outside shoulders, locked arms, and marched together thus, 
taking turns sleeping, as best they could ; each sleeping as 
much as half a mile at a time ; wdiile the other supi:>orted 
and guided him. There w^ere some who "played-off" sick, 
in order to get a "pass" to the ambulance. The most were 
of the kind that always kept up with the colors ; and we 
got in on time. At one point we had to double-quick, to 
get onto the pike first, so as»to be in the advance, which 
always made the marching easier. But all the digging and 



MRS. STREIGHT CAPTURED. 79 

plowing and harvesting and other Labor we had ever done 
in a month at home, reduced to a single day, w^ould not be 
more exhaustive than that night march ; yet, as we filed 
off into a cornfield and unslung our knapsacks, and spied 
the river only a hundred yards away, with one common 
impulse, we made a rush for it ; shedding our garments as 
we went. O, how soothing was that water! How it re- 
stored our overheated blood to its normal temperature, and 
healed our sore shoulders and shanks, and cooled the great 
big red blisters on our feet, worn by our new ''gunboats," 
which was another name for the broad comfortable shoes 
the Government furnished . 

There had been a hard rain there the day before, and 
there was a depth of three or four inches of mud in the 
furrows ; so that we had to pile up cornstalks or brush or 
rails to keep us out of the mud ; with not a sign of straw to 
soften the irregularities. 

There were tw^o, however, who failed to appeciate the 
blessedness of this beautiful river; who, in truth, had not 
intentionall}^ put water or soaj) on their faces nor any part 
of their persons since they left Indiana. They were Jim 
Kiley, a red-headed, freckled and brown-skinned boy, and 
Rinie Houzlot, a young French tough, without any known 
antecedents. W. C. Clements, of Co. C, and another com- 
rade were detailed to t£kke these two filthy fellows to Green 
River, and with sand and soap to scrub them. They were 
probably never so clean in their lives before. Houzlot de- 
serted September 15, 'G3 ; as Kiley 's name does not .appear 
on the roster, it is impossible to tell whence he came, nor 
whither he went. So is every one that is born of Satan. 

MRS. STREIGHT 'S CAPTURE AND ESCAPE. 

During the pursuit of Bragg, Mrs. Streight went to 
Nashville, accompanied by their son John, then a small 
child, and stopped at the Sewanee House. She desired to 
go from there by railroad to Bowling Green ; but as com- 



80 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

inunication by that route was cut oti", it was decided to go 
by stage-coach. Accordingly, Sunday evening, September 
7, about 7 o'clock, the lumbering old-fashioned stage-coach 
drew up at the hotel door, and with Mrs. Streight, Mrs. 
Grigsby, wife of the colonel of the 24th Kentucky, Colonel 
Shoemaker, of the 13tli Michigan, with seventeen other 
men and a lady with her two boys, the conveyance was 
pretty well filled. They proceeded as far as Tyree Springs, 
a summer retreat on the top of the mountain, which they 
reached about midnight. When near the summit, they 
were surrounded by 250 of Morgan's guerrillas, who fired 
upon them. "Don't fire," cried the driver; "there are 
ladies in there!" They were taken to the Springs hotel, 
placed under guard, the ladies occupying the sitting-room. 
When they found they were captured, and had to get out, 
the men quickly gave their revolvers to Mrs. Streight, and 
she secreted them about her person. They also gave her 
important dispatches, which she hid among some clothing 
in her traveling-basket. Just then a burly ruffian put his 
pistol under her nose in the stage. She slapped it back, 
saying, "Keep your revolver out of my face, sir!" He 
begged pardon, and disappeared. 

As the ladies and children entered the sitting-room, 
Mrs. Streight closed the door, and stepped across to a little 
stand, opening the drawer, and thrusting the dispatches 
into it ; then closed it. 

After the guerrillas finished searching the men, they 
returned to the hotel, and called the ladies out, to claim 
their trunks. They found them in an old two-wheeled cart. 
Colonel Shoemaker was sitting on that of Mrs. Streight, 
on which a card was tacked, bearing the inscription "Mrs. 
Col. A. D. Streight." While pretending to grope in the 
uncertain light, for her trunk, she put her hand back and 
tore off the card. Then she proved her ownership, by fit- 
ting her key in the lock . The baggage was taken into the 
hotel and searched, but nothing contraband was found. 




Mrs. a. D. Streigut 



MRS. STREKJHT S CAPTURE. 81 

Soon the men all went out, but some returned and peeped 
in. Among them was a doctor, by the name of Joiner, a 
black-eyed villain, who announced that he, being a doctor, 
was sent to examine the ladies. He began by, "Ladies, I 
command you to undress. I was sent here to examine 
your persons." 

"By what authority?" demanded Mrs. Streight. 

"By Major Scott and Captain Kirkpatrick !" Stamp- 
ing his foot, he continued, "I want you to take off your 
clothes!" 

"I won't do it!" declared Mrs. Streight, emphatically. 

While he stood stamping his foot, and making demon- 
strations, one of the strange lady's boys ran to Maj. Scott, 
and asked if it was possible that he was going to let that 
doctor compel those ladies to undress. The major replied, 
"By no means !" and threatened to shoot Joiner if he mo- 
lested them. When the lad returned, the doctor stood in 
the doorway, and as the officer's words were repeated, Mrs. 
Streight stepped suddenly up to the insulting rebel, and 
putting her hand against his breast, sent him over on his 
back on the porch, two steps below; while his heels flew 
into the air like the wrings of a windmill. She slammed 
the door to, then ; and the fellows outside, who witnessed 
the villain's discomfiture, yelled with delight, and shouted 
at him, "The little Yankee was too much for you !" 

The men were then all called away, and a single senti- 
nel put on duty ; and the ladies were told to retire . Two 
or three times during the night, cakes and fruit were sent 
in to the ladies ; but as they bore evidence of poison, they 
were received with thanks, and quietly put into the fire. 

About 5 o'clock in the morning, the guard was taken 
ofi\ Mrs. Streight, who had not slept during theiiigbi. 
took advantage of this to reconnoiter. Quietly unlocking 
the door, she went out, locking the door after her, and 
strolled down the verandah, in search of a chance to get 
away. The windows were open, and in one room were a 



82 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

number of men in l)lue uniforms, wlio she supposed were 
Union soldiers. She told tliem what she wanted, claimed 
them as friends, and offered to pay them well ; Init they all 
refused. Turning back, she saw the stage across the way, 
with the driver asleep on top ; and her mind Avas made up. 
She went over, awoke him, and requested him to liitch up. 
He refused, saying the horses had all l)een taken. At the 
same moment she heard the horses stamping in the barn. 
Having been reared on a farm , and being quite familiar 
with horses, she found the harness where it had been hid- 
den in a corn-bin, adjusted it to the horses, and led them 
to the door. She again aroused the driver, and jerking 
out one of the half-dozen revolvers with whicli she was 
burdened, made him get down, hitch those horses to the 
coach, rein up and straighten them out ; assuring him that 
if he uttered a single note of alarm, she would blow a hole 
clear through his head. Then she hustled the women and 
children and trunks aboard, and in twenty minutes they 
were off, on a dead run. Two miles out, they were halted 
by a guerrilla, who gave a signal. 

"Now, let those horses go," cried Mrs. Streight, "or 
I'll get up there and drive." 

The old coach flew as it never had before. All along 
the route they passed guerrillas, but they sped l)y so sud- 
denly, that they were gone before they could l)e stopped. 
Several miles were rapidly covered ; when, fearing that the 
horses might give out before the end of the journey, they 
were slacked up. At 12 o'clock, they rolled into Franklin, 
Ky., and dashed up to the principal hotel ; the horses in a 
lather of foam and sweat. Mrs. Streight recognized in 
the landlord one of the guerrillas she met the night before . 
He slunk away, and the bar-tender assisted the ladies out. 
Dinner was ready ; and as they were nearly starved, they 
all went in. Mrs. Streight bribed a colored waiter to serve 
their dinner, and to see that it was not poisoned ; and they 
stayed there till next morning. By that time the railroad 



THE EVE OF BATTLE. 83 

was again open, and the party went on to Bowling Green ; 
arriving there in the afternoon, a few hours after the Fifty- 
First went into camp. 

Mrs. Streight frequently visited the regiment, and was 
very kind to the sick boys ; and made herself very useful 
in many ways. She was loved by all the boys, and was 
revered by all as the ''mother of the regiment." 

JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE. 

Near the close of September, we were at a point fifteen 
miles below Cave City, Ky. General Wood had just dis- 
covered that we were out of provisions, and was greatly 
troubled thereat, and at a loss for a remedy, "Give me 
orders," said Colonel Streight, "and I will get them here." 
"All right," said Wood ; "go ahead." The colonel got his 
men in line along the road, before daylight next morning ; 
and as the wagons came by, the boys climbed into them, 
the lash was applied to the mules, and away they sped for 
Cave City; where the wagons were quickly filled, and the 
command returned before night, accomplishing the mission 
in a remarkably short time. 

It was about the same time that Henry Kirk and Dora 
Weaver became so conscience-stricken, that they "swore 
off" on chewing tobacco. It was on the eve of the battle 
at Perry ville, and they felt very much as Mark Twain and 
his companions did, when hopelessly lost on tlie boundless 
plains, in a snow-storm. They were j^reparing to yield up 
their young lives on the field of carnage, and only desired 
to be spared long enough to get the vile scent of nicotine 
off of their breath. They threw away their last plug and 
last hunk of natural twist ; and putting their arms around 
each other's necks, vowed to never again defile their lips 
with the nasty stuff". And they meant it. But liumanity 
is pretty much the same everywhere ; and this resolution 
lasted until Thursday, the lovely New Year's Day, 1863 ; 
then, while death was dealing havoc on all hands, and no 



84 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

one could tell what might happen next, these two heroes, 
excited and desperate, each bit off a huge chunk of caven- 
dish, and applied their jaws with a will in grinding it to 
pulp. It was like an inspiration to their almost exhausted 
natures ; and they have kept it up faithfully ever since . 

Passing through a cornfield near the road, the boys 
were helping themselves to the luscious ears, when they 
were suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a freckled 
dame , with a voice like a buzz-saw : 

"Hyar! you-all wants to git right out o' thar, now. 
We-uns is Union, 'n' you-uns-all wants to drap that thar 
cawn right suddent. Drap it !" 

But they didn't ''drap it" till they got into camp. 

We began to receive all sorts of rumors here, that in- 
creased in improbability as they passed from one mouth to 
another. When the authority for some curdling story was 
demanded, it was said to have come by "grape-vine tele- 
graph;" and that expression came to be applied to every 
tale of doubtful origin. 

ARRIVAL AT LOUISVILLE, KY. 

We reached Louisville, Ky., Sunday, September 28, 
with Bragg only nine miles away ; we having been 3G days 
coming from Stevenson . We had experienced a little smell 
of powder at Munfordsville, and had witnessed some heavy 
artillery fighting, with a little lively cavalry skirmishing. 
The weather was cooler, but we were tired out, and ragged, 
and nearly destitute of tents and proper outfits ; and were 
glad our chase was over. We went into camp on a large 
common in the lower edge of the city ; where we were soon 
joined by a number of recruits, fresh from home; being 
our share of the 1862 volunteer complement. It was in 
the main a respectable lot of young men ; who were imme- 
diately subjected to a thorough course of squad drill. In 
distinction from the veteran troops, we called the recruits 
"troopees." 



AT LOUISVILLE, KV. 85 

On our entering Louisville, strict orders were given to 
protect the property of the citizens. The new guard relief 
was posted accordingly. One comrade, who was on duty 
when we w^ent into camp, not being relieved for some time 
after, was late getting to his quarters ; and the fires were 
nearly all out, as fuel was scarce. He w^as not long, how- 
ever, in finding a plank, which he pulled from the roof of 
a shed in the rear of a neigliboring building ; and dropping 
it on the ground assigned for his company, he hurried off 
to get an ax. Just then the colonel rode through the quar- 
ters, and espying the plank, asked who brought it there. 
Of course no one knew ; and he was turning away, when a 
gleam of light reflected from the ax, with which the soldier 
was returning, attracted his attention. 

"Here, soldier ; come here. Did you bring this plank 
here? H-11 ! it's !" calling the soldier's name. 

"Yes, sir." 

"Where did you get it?" 

"Over there." 

"Well, lay down that ax, and carry that plank back, 
and put it where you got it ; then get your gun and guard 
that place the rest of the night." 

The first duty of a soldier, is obedience. He therefore 
returned the plank to the shed, got his supper on another 
comrade's fire, then took his traps, and moved camp to the 
shed. The place was a brewery, and the shed covered two 
big delivery wagons filled w^ith pigeon-hole boxes used for 
delivering bottled beer. As soon as he got a little used to 
the locality, he organized himself into a committee of in- 
spection, and before daylight had examined every bottle in 
those tw^o wagons. They were all empty, savt^ about nine. 
At each change of relief one of those bottles had to give the 
countersign ; what was left, w\as carried into camp, and 
divided among the ])oys. Thus was paid the penalty of 
over-righteous protection, and another illustration given of 
the perfection of our discipline. 



86 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Punishment was sometimes inflicted by officers, who 
had no sort of qualification for the important duties of the 
position tliat liad been conferred on them, that was brutal 
and barbarous . There was very little of it practiced in the 
Fifty-First, however ; for, however scrupulous every soldier 
was in observing proper discipline, he drew the line within 
reason. And the few attempts that were made, under very 
strong excitement, were rewarded in a manner so decisive, 
that it impressed that event perpetually upon the mind of 
the officer. One good polishing was sufficient. 

ANOTHER CASE OP DISCIPLINE. 

The second day at Louisville, Reuben Eaton and the 
writer, both of wliom had brothers in the 79th Indiana, 
which had just arrived among the reinforcements, got per- 
mission to go over and visit them ; and returning in the 
afternoon just in time to miss dress parade, were reported 
"absent without leave," and placed on the list for "extra 
duty." They didn't care! First, the writer was ordered 
to guard a comrade who was punished for a certain misde- 
meanor, by being made to stand on a hard-tack box on one 
foot, and when he failed to keep his foot up, the guard was 
to prod him with his bayonet. The vigilant officer who 
had imposed the punishment, discovered some deficiency 
in the execution thereof, and these pages are necessarily 
graced with the addition that the writer was very suddenly 
relieved from guard duty, and required to join the display 
of living statuary, on another box; while Eaton was given 
the delightful task of prodding both victims . The ridicule 
of the other companies, who witnessed the spectacle, was 
too much for the officer ; and the boys were soon released. 

Governor Morton visited us while at this j)lace, and 
assisted and encouraged us very much by kind words and 
assurances of the confidence of our friends at home, that 
we would ultimately conquer. He also provided for the 
physical comfort of his soldiers, of whom he was quite 



battlp: op perryville. 87 

proud. Nor was tlie admiration of all the Indiana boys 
any less for our noble Governor. Indeed, this was largely 
shared by the troops of every other State, who regarded us 
with envy on this account. 

Letters and papers from home told of the big scare in 
the border towns of Ohio and Indiana, and the exploits of 
the valorous ''squirrel hunters" at Lawrenceburg, North 
Bend and elsewhere. Like the historic Charles, they 
" ]V[arche(l up the hill, and then— marched down again." 
They reminded us of the old comedian, Yankee Robinson, 
who used to sing about how he and his uncle "fit, bled and 
died" in the Mexican war : 

" I jjot behind a 'great big log, « 

Along with another man ; 
And every time T raised old Betsy up, 

Down popped a Mex-i-can ! " 

BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 

Saturday, October 4, Wood's division marched into 
Bardstown, late in the afternoon, driving out the rebel rear 
guard . 

Wednesda}^ morning, the 8th, found us at Springfield, 
having passed through Mt. Washington and Fairfield. We 
cami:)ed in the Sj)ringfield fair-ground, till near noon of the 
8th . The rebels were not far off, and a fight was expected 
hourly. We were so tired of marching, that we would 
have welcomed a nything else . It was also fast becoming a 
positive necessity for Buell to get us into a fight, in order 
to remove tlie prevailing suspicion of his treachery, or to 
prevent outbroken insubordination. It came just in time. 
We were not favored with our share of the battle at Perry- 
ville, that afternoon, but arrived on the scene just in time 
to see Bragg get decently whipped. Our division laid the 
night before near Rolling Fork, 12 miles from Perryville. 
We liad orders early in tlie morning, but did not move till 
11 o'clock ; and got to Perryville at 4 o'clock ; taking our 
position on the right of Gilbert's force, and on the left of 



SS FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Crittenden, about oppasite tlie town. From appearances, 
we were at the extreme left of the enemy. They were try- 
ing to flank Gilbert. He had engaged them, and Wood 
deployed toward the left. Our division w^as in fine trim 
for a battle, but the blundering of some one enabled Bragg 
to get away. He was badly whipped, as it was, but ought 
to have been captured entirely. Buell was certainly either 
ignorant of the condition of the enemy, or his alleged su- 
perior military talent was directed in the wrong way. It 
was a pity such a man as "Old Pap" Thomas, or our own 
"Old Tommy" Wood had not charge of that campaign! 
Buell had been in the army all liis life, and was a very fine 
organizer and first-class trainer ; he simply lacked patriot- 
ism and integrity. In proof of the bad feeling described 
above, w^e have the statement of General Buell, made in 
cross-examination, during the investigation of his conduct, 
in December following, at Nashville : 

" They were anxious to move on and relieve the Munfordsville force, 
and there was general impatience to attack the enemy. It amounted to 
almost indignation, among botli officers and men, from tlie time 

we moved with Gen. McCook toward Cliattanooga, or about Jasper. 
We then fell back over tlie mountains. We knew Munfordsville was 
threatened, and while at Bowling Green, we heard that Col. Wilder had 
repulsed the enemy. Then this feeling continued to increase." 

The great loss on our side, 916 killed, 2,943 wounded, 
and 489 missing, was sufficient indication of the valor of 
those engaged. 

BRAGG SKEDADDLES. 

At daylight next morning, we advanced to where we 
could overlook the town, and where we could observe the 
position of tlie enemy. We could see them putting a bat- 
tery in position a little to the right and rear of TPerry ville . 
The sun was about half an hour high when we saw them 
moving off", perhaps a mile distant, going in the direction 
of Harrodsburg ; with baggage train, infantry and cavalry. 
We laid there till about 2 p. m., when We passed through 
Perry ville; and went to the spring below, where we stayed 



AT GLASGOW, KY. 89 

till next morning, the 10th. Gen. Wood's camp extended 
from near Reed's Springs to Salt River. 

That day, our brigade made a reconnoisance through 
Harrodsburg, capturing a large number of cavalry, besides 
a great many convalescents in camp and hospital. Being 
at least six miles in advance of our army, we moved camp 
twice that night, and built three sets of fires, in order to 
deceive the enemy as to our numbers. The following day, 
Saturday, we proceeded in line of battle to Danville, the 
Fifty-First passing directly across the cemetery. Then, 
filing out onto the Lancaster .pike, we marched ''right in 
front" through the town, in splendid order. This did not 
prevent Co. K filling their canteens from some wine-casks 
which came in their way. We continued on, marching at 
12 o'clock the night of the 12th, and engaging the enemy's 
cavalry and artillery at Stanford, at daylight next morn- 
ing. The enemy kept the road toward Cumberland Gap, 
opposing our advance with his cavalry and artillery. We 
pursued as far as Crab Orchard ; a little skirmish near the 
hamlet of Wild Cat, being the chief fruit of this diversion. 
Then we retraced our steps ; leaving Danville to the right, 
passing through the village of Hustonville, to Columbia, 
where we halted a few days, and enjoyed a much needed 
rest . 

AT GLASGOW, KY. 

We continued thence to Glasgow ; arriving there on 
Saturday, October 25, going into camp in a cedar forest ; 
and spending the afternoon in butchering. In the night 
it began snowing, and we awoke next morning to find our 
blankets covered with four inches of snow, under which we 
fairly steamed, with the additional heat thus imparted. It 
continued to snow all day Sunday, so that we couldn't get 
out to church. 

We had captured a lot of rel)els on the way ; and they 
must have suffered greatly, as tliey were destitute of nearly 
everything ; many witliout shirts and coats, and all bearing 



90 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

signs of severe exposure and disease. They were heartily 
tired of war ; and denounced tlie military despotism that 
was being exercised over them. We did all our limited 
supply would permit, to relieve their wants. 

It was very cold, the morning we left Glasgow, and 
the frost in our guns stung our fingers, as we shifted them 
from one shoulder to the other. Presently we came to a 
good sized creek, which General Wood ordered us to cross. 
As we would have to wade, and the water was very cold, 
Colonel Streight demurred, saying it would kill the men. 
General Wood averred it was unavoidable. "I think not," 
said Streight; "we can build a bridge." "That is impos- 
sible," replied AVood ; "we have no hatchets, nor nails nor 
anything." "Give me orders, and I will do it," persisted 
the colonel. "All right ; go ahead," said General Wood. 
The colonel got the boys out, tore down a house near by, 
and in a few hours had a good bridge over the stream, on 
which the command crossed in safety. 

We moved thence, by easy stages, to a point 12 miles 
east of Gallatin, Tenn., after a march, that day, November 
7, of twenty miles. According to order, Gen. Wood sent 
Barker's brigade to try to capture the guerrilla John Mor- 
gan's command. Harker's 8d Brigade of infantry, and 
Col. Lewis Zahm's 2d Brigade of cavalry, reached Gallatin 
just after daylight, but Morgan had already escaped. We 
pressed him closely, capturing 18 of his men, with their 
horses and accouterments. Lt.-Col. Colescott's horse was 
shot in the nose. It was quite a lively little scrap ; the 
boys running, shooting, dodging, yelling, till we closed in 
on the handful that remained, and brought them back into 
town ; our regiment resting on the public square, opposite 
the court-house. Then we moved out to the edge of town, 
and went into camp. 

Col. Streight had the correct idea as to the protection of 
rebel property ; and when we entered a fine blue-grass pas- 
ture, he marched us by companies in echelon to within a 



A YANKEE TRICK. 91 

few steps of the fence, wlien he turned about and sliouted : 
''Halt! Stack arras ! Unslino; knapsacks ! Rally on 
the fence ! ' ' 

With a yell, the boys luistened to obey the orders with 
a will that was remarkable. In a few minutes the fence 
lay in neat piles; and our fuel for that day was assured. 
Some then went for straw, some for water and forage, and 
others got breakfast. Most all of us were entirely without 
rations ; but the country was full of stuff, and we had all 
learned to forage . We did not require a miracle , as Gen . 
Dumont thought the 72d Indiana would, wlien that band 
of innocents run out of provisions. He said, "May be the 
Lord will shower manna, or blow in quails." 

A YANKEE TRICK. 

''Fugate" slipped out and went down to a large brick 
house, and called for breakfast ; offering to pay for it. The 
mistress promptly replied : 

"No, sir ; we don't feed Yankees here !" 
"All right!" and back he went to where the regiment 
lay. Seeing Sergeant Weaver, who looked pretty lean and 
hungry, he said, 

"Dora, do you want a good breakfast?" 
"I was never so hungry in my life." 
"Well, get your gun, fix bayonet, and follow me." 
Throwing a grey blanket around him, "Fugate" went 
back to the same house. With a familiar "hello!" which 
is the Southern sign of recognition, the woman came to the 
door . 

"I am sorry, madam ; I was captured here, this morn- 
ing, l)y these Yankees ; and I would like to have something 
to eat, before I am hurled off to a Northern prison." 

"Come in, sir!" exclaimed the woman, with emotion, 
extending both hands, and ushering the prisoner into the 
sitting-room ; while the guard kept close after him . While 
waiting for breakfast, the woman projiosed to "Fugate" to 



92 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

get the gun and kill the sergeant, and secrete him ; and all 
would be well. But the prisoner thought it would not be 
fair to do that ; since the sergeant had allow^ed him to go 
among his friends . Besides , it would be too dangerous ; as 
the town was full of Yanks. The breakfast of ham and 
eggs, sweet potatoes, fine bread and coffee, was delicious ; 
and it was fairly divided with the sergeant . 

"What company do you belong to !" asked Weaver. 

''Captain Woolsey's command." 

0, I know them well," rejoined the sergeant ; and he 
told who he was. 

Their conversation and actions gave them away before 
they got through ; and it took some pretty stiff fabricating 
to convince the w^oman that she was not deceived. 

Then the sergeant marched his prisoner back to camp ; 
wliere they laughed over the ruse, by which they had ob- 
tained a good breakfast from a malignant she-rebel, free of 
expense . 

Each day the ties that bound comrades to each other, 
were more firmly welded. The privations shared, and the 
scores of mutual sacrifices and self-denials made for each 
other, created a relation that was never known among so 
great a number of men before. Possibly Solomon had in 
his great mind the American soldier, when he said [Prov. 
xviii:24,] "Tliere is a friend that sticketh closer than a 
brother." In their individual affairs, they would stand 
for their rights against every other individual, and would 
fight the next man in the line for a single mouldy, wormy, 
old hard-tack; but in their collective relation, they were 
true as steel to each other. And they were exceedingly 
clannish. 



ROSECRANS TAKES COMMAND. 93 




"fourteenth army corps ''ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND. 

Buell was relieved of command by Maj. Gen. Wm. S. 
Rosecrans. This change occurred October 30, in compli- 
ance with General Orders No. 168, War Department, dated 
October 24, 1862. This order gave General Rosecrans the 
command of the "Department of the Cumberland," which 
embraced that portion of Tennessee lying east of the Ten- 
nessee River, with a prospective enlargement from Georgia 
and Alabama. By the same order the troops of the same 
department were also designated as the "Fourteenth Army 
Corps." This designation soon gave place to that of the 
"Army of the Cumberland" — the name which the original 
portions bore under Generals Anderson and Sherman. 

We were glad to be delivered of Buell. We were also 
much encouraged by the recent emancij)ation proclamation 
of President Lincoln, and by the news of the traitor Lee's 
request for an armistice. Also, we needed overcoats very 
badly, and Governor Morton had tliem forwarded to us a 
month in advance ; whereby much suffering was relieved. 

We continued to march, till, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 
we were at Silver Springs, 18 miles east of Nashville . Our 
boys were mostly in fair health. We had been to Gallatin 
again, and had another littk^ ])rush with John Morgan's 



94 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REfJIMENT. 

guerrillas; routino^ them, and chasing them several miles. 

Colonel Streiglit wrote, on that date : 

"I was sent to Gallatin with the 51»t and 13th Michigan, and a sec- 
tion of Bradley's Battery ; where we cut their forces in two, killed, 
wounded and captured 80. My boys, as usual, were both brave and 
lucky; and no one of them was hurt. We are idle now, but the enemy 
is in force at Murfreesboro." 

Dr. Adams' resignation was accepted, and H. R. King 
was promoted to be xissistant Surgeon. There were 560 
men in camp. 

On the 24th, Ave were eight miles east of Nashville. 
At this place Capt. J. C. McGuire, Co. F. resigned. 

At some point, about this time, our command assisted 
in building a trestle-bridge across the Cumberland River at 
Gallatin . 

"old rosy IS THE MAN ! " 

There came to the Army of the Cumberland, while en- 
camped about Nashville, just before the battle of Stone 
River, an old man, a tall, old-fashioned, raw-boned fellow, 
who sang patriotic songs . He suddenly disappeared ; but 
returned after the battle. He claimed the name of Wm. 
E. Lock, army poet and balladist, and he had a pass from 
Abraham Lincoln to travel through the western army, and 
make and sing patriotic songs. When selling his songs 
and stamps, and singing on a cracker-box, he would ask 
the boys to join him in the chorus ; which thousands did 
eagerly. Again he disappeared; and while making his 
way to the rebel army, of which he was a notorious spy, 
he was shot and killed, while running the picket line. It 
was learned afterward, that he was called by Forrest's men 
"the crazy preacher." The following is a sample of his 
ballads, and one that was quite popular at one time, espe- 
cially in the Fifty-First : 

"Cheer up, cheer up, the night is past; 

The skies with light are glowing; 
Our ship moves proudly on, my boys, 

And favoring gales are blowing: 



OLD ROSY IS THE MAN. 



95 



1 he flag is at the peak, my boys ; 

Her decks are clearer] for action ; 
The time has come— we're ready, boys, 

To meet a traitorous faction. 
Chorus: Old Rosy is the man, old Rosy is the man ; 
We'll show onr deeds where'er he leads ; 

Old Rosy is the man. 

The lightning flaslies through the West, 

The glorious news repeating; 
Of prairie hosts now tramping on, 

And rebel hordes retreating; 
Our conquering hosts with steady tread, 

Their crafty foes defying; 
O'er many a city, town and fort, 

He set the old flag flying ; 
Chorus: Old Rosy is the man, &c. 

The Merrimac, all clad in steel. 

Would make the Yankees wonder; 
They'd crush our forts, and sinlv our ships, 

And belch perpetual thunder; 
But just as all tiie rebel crew 

Grew jubilant^deflant ! 
There came a Yanke cheese-box craft. 
Which whipped the mail-clad giant. 
Chorus: Ericcson was the man, Ericcson was the man; 
His little tug, and saucy mug 

Ripped up the traitors' plan. 

Old "Stonewall •' came to Winchester; 

He thought he'd find us napping; 
But rebeldom has yet to learn 

The art of Yankee trapping. 
For when he met our gallant Shields, 

His brain soon got to swim m in' ; 
He cursed the daj', and cursed liis luck. 

And d-d the secesh women. 
Chorus: Brave Shields was then the man ||: 
His Irisii wit, and Northern grit 

Ripped up the traitors' plan. 

They thought at Island No. 10 

They'd first blockade the river. 

And strike with such terrific blows. 
That all the North would shiver. 

But Captain Walk, down through their fire 
His gunboats safely paddled ; 



96 



FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



Then Pope got at tliem in the rear, 

And all who C()uld, skedaddled. 
Chorus: Brave Pope was then the man ||: 

From Walk and Pope the rebels slope; 

Brave Pope was then the man. 

New Orleans had three miglity rams, 

And tire-ships also handy, 
And tliirty thousand tii^liting men, 

To sink poor Doodle Dandy. 
But when they came with gentle words, 

For fear they'd speak them louder; 
She thought she'd just capitulate. 

And save lier blood and powder. 
Chorus : Brave Foote was then the man ||: 
With lawyer But. * and Farragut, 

Brave Foote was then the man. 

At Murfreesboro, full of fight, 

Old Bragg drew up his forces, 
To make a meal of Western boys, 

And gobble tliem by courses; 
But when he met old Rosy there, 

His appetite forsook him ; 
The Dutchman might be good to carve; 

But he couldn't catch and cook him. 
Chorus: Old Rosy is the man, old Rosy is the man ; 
We'll show our deeds where'er he leads; 

Old Rosy is the man. 

A few more blows will close our work, 

And homeward we'll be rushing; 
And anxious liearts, that sorrow now, 

With love and joy be gushing. 
And when our heads are silvered o'er, 

111 telling this day's story ; 
Bome lip of fame will say of us, 

' They saved the Nation's glory ! ' 
Chorus: Old Rosy is the man, &c." 

BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 

Christmas was a beautiful day ; and we put it in with 
a foraging expedition. During the day we had some sharp 
skirmishing; and Perry Hollingsworth, Co. E, was killed, 



Butler. 



BATTLE OF STONE RIVEK. 97 

and two others were wounded. We brought in 18 head of 

cattle. Next day we struck tents, and advanced to near 

Lavergne ; skirmishing all day. At night it rained, and 

continued to rain most of the following week. 

The first experience of the Fifty-First in this glorious 

campaign, dates from this skirmish at Prim's blacksmith 

shop, on the Edmonson pike, on Thursday, December 25, 

1862. General Wood's dispatch of that date, says : 

"Harker's brigade, wliicli went out this morning for forage, is com- 
ing in. He ttlled lais wagons witii corn, but had to fight for it. He was 
attacl\ed in front and on tlie flanl^s, and lost 1 man liilled outright, and 
2 wounded; 1 seriously, the other slightly. The casualties occurred all 
in the 51st Indiana. Col. Harker estimates the enemy at 600, infantry 
or dismounted troopers." 

Our part of the Army of the Cumberland was organ- 
ized as follows : 

Left Wing, Gen. T. L. Crittenden, Commanding . 
Jst Div., Gen. T. J.Wood, 
3d Brig . , Col . C . G . Harker , 

51st Indiana, Col. A. D. Streight. 
73d Indiana, Col. Gilbert Hathaway. 
13th Michigan, Col. Michael Shoemaker. 
64th Ohio , Col . Alex . Mcllvain . -. 
65th Ohio, Lt.-Col. Alex. Cassil. 

Maj. Horatio N. Wliitbeck. 
On Dec. 27, '62, Lt.-Col. Garesche', Gen. Rosecrans' 
chief of staff, dispatched to Gen. Crittenden, at 3 : 05 p.m.: 
"Tell Wood to drive the enemy vigorously, and give them no time 
to breathe." 

How thoroughly this instruction was obeyed, some of 
the proudest pages of history tell. 

The Army of the Cumberland left Nashville with 47,- 
000 men, and had 37,977 infantry, 3,200 cavalry and 2,223 
artillery in the battle. It lost 92 officers killed, and 384 
wounded; 1,441 men killed, and 6,860 wounded; about 
2,800 missing. Lt.-Col. Garesclie' was killed by the side of 
the commander. 

7 



98 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

The monthly return of the Army of the Cumberland 
for the month of December, 1862, gives the number in 
Wood's division, 3 brigades of infantry, 10,605 ; artillery, 
395; total, 11,000. 

General Rosecrans' report of this camf)aign, refers to 
our brigade very favorably : 

"From Nov. 26 to Dee. 26, every effort was bent to complete the 
clothing of the army, provide ammunition and repleni&li the Nasliville 
depot of supplies, to insure against want. On Thursday, Dec. 26, '62, 
the movement began. The left wing began its advance about 11 A. M., 
tiie 28th, driving a brigade of eavah\v supported by Many's brigarie of 
rebel infantry, to Stewart's Creek, saving the bridge, altliough the rails 
were fired. Tliis was Saturday night. On Sunday they rested. On ISIon- 
day at 3 p. m, a signal from Palmer announcing that he was in sight of 
Murfreesboro, and that the enemy was running, an order was sent to 
Crittenden to send a division to occupy Murfreesboro. He ordered Har- 
ker's brigade to cross the river at a ford on his left, where he surprised a 
regiment of Breckenridge's division, and drove it back on its main line, 
not more than 500 yards distant, in great confusion. He held the posi- 
tion till advised, by prisoners captured, tliat Breckenridge whs in force in 
front; when, it being dark, he ordei'ed the brigade back across the river, 
and bivouacked. 

The battle began next day, on the left, by VanCleve, who crossed at 
the lower fords. Wood was prepared to sustain and follow him, but was 
directed- to suspend action. Just then McCook was routed. Harker's 
brigade was sent further down tlie Murfreesboro pike, to go in and attack 
tiie enemy on the right of VanCleve. Tliere our forces sustained an in- 
fantry and cavalry attack, leaving us masters of the original ground on 
our left. Our losses were : ••■ * 



Lossea. 


Killed. 


Woitnded. 


Captured. 


Tola 




Off. 


Enl. 


Off. Enl. 






51st Indiana. 




7 


2 32 


9 


50 


73d Indiana. 


•1 


• )0 


3 48 


36 


111 


18th Michigan. 




17 


2 70 




89 


64tii Ohio. 


1 


23 


3 61 


17 


105 


65th Ohio. 


2 


33 


8 92 


38 


173 


6lh Oiiio P.attery. 




1 


1 8 
19 311 


1 
101 


11 


Aggregate. 


5 


103 


539 



FroDi fh,e Report of James Beirnett, Clrief of Artillery. 

" Capt. Bradlej^, on the morning of the 31st, moved with Col. Har- 
ker's brigade in its advance to check the enemy on the right, antl held 
with it, its position through the dl^y. On the 2d he held a position on 
commanding ground near to the right of the railroad. When the attack 
was made on the left, he changed front to fire to the left." 



BATTLE OF STONE RIVEK. 99 

From the Report of Gen. A. I). McCook, Comdg . Right Wing. 

" December 30, '62 On arrival at the pike, I found Col. Bar- 

ker's brifjade retiring before a lieavy force of tlie enemy. I immediately 
ordered Robert's brigade, of Sheridan's division, to advance into a cedar 
wood, and charge the enemy, and drive him back. Col. Harker, 

commanding a brigade in Wood's division, performed gallant service." 

From the Re-port of Gen. P. H. Sheridan, Comdg. 3d Divi>^ion. 

"On the 30th Schaefer's brigade was put in action directly to the 
front and right of Wood's division, on the left-hand side of the railroad. 
The brigade advanced througli a clump of timber, and took position on 
the edge of the cotton field, close on the enemy's lines, relieving Wood's 
division, which was falling back under heavy pressure." 

General Crittenden's Report. 

"My command left camp near Nashville, Dec. 26, '62, and reached 
the point where the battle of Stone's River was fought just before dusk 
on the evening of the 29th. The march from Nashville was accompa- 
nied by skirmishing. The gallant and handsome things done by the 
several portions of my command during this march, have been men- 
tioned in detail. It was about dusk, and just at a moment when 
Wood and Palmer had halted to gather up their troops, that I reached 
the head of my command. These two generals had their divisions in 
line of battle. Wood on the left, and Palmer on the right, with the ene- 
my in sight, and evidently in heavier force than we had yet encountered 
them ; it was evident they intended to dispute the passage of the river, 
and fight the battle at or near Murfreesboro. At this moment I received 
orders to occupy Murfreesboro with one division, encamping others out- 
side. I immediately gave the order to advance, ecud the movement 
commenced. Wood was ordered to occupy the place. At this 
time it was dark. Gen. Wood had declared that he was hazarding a 
great deal for very little, to move over unknown ground, and thought 
that I ought to take the responsibility to disobey the order. '■• I sus- 
pended the order one hour. By this time Gen. Rosecrans came to the 
front, and approved what I did. In the meantime, Col. Harker, after a 
sharp skirmish, gallantly crossed the river. * As soon as possible I 
recalled Harker, and he recrossed without serious loss. 

On the morning of the 31st, when tlie battle began, I occupied the 
front near the pike, Palmer on the right. Wood on the left, and Van- 
Cleve in reserve, to the rear and left. The right was driven back. 

The confusion of troops hindered forming. Being soon reinforced by 
Fyfle's and Harker's brigades, the enemy was pressed vigorously, too 
far. They came upon the enemy massed to receive them ; who, outnum- 
bering and outflanking them, compelled them to fall back. They did so 
in good order. From this time, the great object ot the enemy .seemed to 
be to break our left and front. When the troops composing the center 



100 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

and right wing of our army had been driven by the enemy from our 
original Hue of battle, the 1st and 2d divisions of tiie left wing still nobly 
maintained their position, though several times assaulted by the enemy 
in great force. 

Gen. Wood being wounded on the 31st, the command devolved on 
Hascall, on Jan. 1, '63. On the night of tlie 31st, he rested 500 yards in 
the rear of the former line, the right resting on the position occupied by 
Stokes' Battery. On the 2d, Hascall's division laid half an hour in tiie 
early part of the day under the heaviest cannonading we endured. Many 
were killed, but the men would not flinch. Tiiat niirht they encamped 
a little in advance of the position Beatty had occupied on tiie river. In 
this position the troojjs remained till Saturday night, when tiie river 
began to rise; and the rain continuing to fall, all recrossed the river. 
Sunday, it was learned that the enemy had evacuated Murfreesboro." 

Gen. T. J. Woods Report. 

"The country occupied by the bodies of hostile troops was favorable 
for a small force to retard tlie advance of a larger one. * The 

country between the cultivated tracts is densely wooded ; and much of 
this is interspersed with thick groves of cedar. It is undulating also, 
presenting a succession of swells and subsidences. * On Saturday, 
Dec. 27, '62, I ordered Hascall to take the advance on either side of the 
pike. Lavergne was the first object to attain. The enemy was 

strongly posted in the houses and on the wooded bights in our rear, and 
opposed us by crossfire. 

Sunday, 28th, we remained in camp, waiting for the right and center 
to get into position. 

On Monday, 29tb, the advance was resumed. Harlier's brigade was 
on the left of Wagner, in the advance, and Hascall's brigade was in 
reserve. 

Arriving within 2} miles of Murfreesboro, we found tiie enemy in 
force immediately in our front, prepared to resist seriously and deter- 
minedly our furtiier advance. I halted tiie center, and Harker's brigade 
occupied tlie wood, in part of which Wagner was posted, and extended 
the left into an open field. We remained in this position till 

Tuesday, 30th, tlie skirmishers keeping up an active firing. 

On Wednesday morning, 31st, it was reported that the enemy was 
moving large bodies of troops to his left. My division was roused at 5 
o'clock, got breakfast, and before daylight was ready for action. ••■ I 
directed Marker to commence the movement with his brigade. A 

long wooded ridge within a hundred yards of tlie stream extends along 
the soutiiern side of Stone River. On the crest of this ridge the enemy 
appeared to be posted in force. During tiie morning some firing had been 
heard, but not sufficient to indicate troops seriously engaged ; but a sud- 
den and fierce roar and rattle of musketry burst on us at this moment, 
which indicated that the enemy had attacked the right wing in heavy 



BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 101 

force; and sonn tlie arrival of messengers confirmed the indications. I 
stopped crossing, withdrew Hascall's and Harlier's brigades, and moved 
to tlie right and rear, to reinforce tlie center and riglit. '■■■ The falling 
back of the right wing, broiigiit onr lines into a crochet. The en- 

emy was seen concentrating large masses of troops in the fields; and 
soon they moved forward to the attack. Tlie artillery in our front 

line, as well as that in tlie rear of the center and left, yjoured a destruc- 
tive fire on the advancing foe; but on became, till witliin small-arm 
range, when he was repulsed and driven back." "••■■ 

About 10 o'clock, Wednesday morning, 30tli, General 
Wood was struck by a niinie ball, on the inner side of his 
left heel, tearing open the boot, and lacerating the foot ; a 
severe contusion was inflicted also, but he did not dismount 
till 7 o'clock that evening. After he arrived at Dayton, 
Ohio, on leave of absence, he wrote, referring to the eve- 
ning of Monday, 29th, when Harker's brigade was ordered 
to cross the river, and the order was countermanded : 

"Before, however, the order was suspended, Harker's brigade had 
crossed Stone River, under a galling fire, driven in the enemy's outposts, 
and seized a strong position, which it held until nearly 10 o'clock that 
evening." 

Gen. Hascall's Report as Division Commander. 

" Wiien the command devolved on me, the division was consider- 
ably scattered, as Col. Harker's brigade had been in action all day on the 
extreme right, and had not returned. About H r. M. tiiat day, Harker 
returned with his brigade. The line was now nearly at riglit 

angles with the railroad, Harker's brigade resting on it. In this position 
we lay all next day, Jan. 1, '63, with nothing to break tiie silence, save 
l)icket firing and an occasional artillery duel. Each brigade was in line 
of battle; and occupying so mucli front, kept the men constantly on the 
alert. Most of the other divisions had reserves, to relieve some. We 
maintained this position till 8 o'clock on the morning of Jan. 2. At tills 
time the enemy opened tne most terrific fire of shot and shell that we 
sustained during the entire engagement. During the night they had 
massed .several batteries in our front, with a line a quarter of a mile long, 
and all at once they opened on us. Biadley's battery opened a brisk fire, 
till Stokes' battery, in their rear, opened witli grape, which took effect 
on Bradley's men, and compelled Bradley to retire. Tiie infantry, how- 
ever, kept tlieir position, tliough suffering severely. 

Col. John W. Blake, of the 40th Indiana, was so drunk and unlit for 
duty, that he was arrested and sent to tiie rear. When next heard from, 
he was in Nashville, claiming to be wounded, and a paroled prisoner. 1 
recommend his dishonorable discharge." 



102 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Report of Maj . S. Race, C})lef of Artillery . 

"About 6 A. M., Dec. 31, '62, Capt. Cullen Bradley's 6th Ohio Light 
Battery and Harker's brigade moved to the extreme riglit, where they 
were engaged in a most severely contested battle. Before superior num- 
bers of tiie enemy, the brigade and battery (after repulsing the first attack 
of the enemy,) were obliged to retire ; but not witiiout disputing every 
inch of ground." 

Col. Harker's Report. 

"The 3d Brigade, 1st Division, Left Wing, 14th Army Corps, Dept. 
of the Cumberland, formerly 20tli Brigade, 6th Division, left 

Stewart's Creek about 10 a. m., Monday, 29th ult., marching most of the 
time in line of l»attle, with tlie right of the line in rear of the left of the 
2d Brigade, Col. Wagner commanding. Our skirmishers soon came upon 
the enemy's cavalry, engaging them briskly, and driving them slowly 
before them. We proceeded in this manner, cautiously feeling our way, 
until our left arrived at the left bank of Stone River, which was reached 
about 4 p. M. Up to this time we had suffered no casualties from the en- 
emy's skirmishers. We took up a position near 8tone River, about 400 
yards to the left of the Nashville and Murfreesboro pike, the 2d Brigade, 
Col. Wagner commanding, being on the right, and the 1st Brigade, Brig. 
Gen. Hascall commanding, being on the left, and somewhat to the rear, 
owing to the conformation of the ground. We remained in this position 
till about dark, when we received orders to proceed to Murfreesboro. 
Stone River being fordable in our front, we at once commenced crossing 
the stream. Throwing a long line of skirmishers over the stream, orders 
were given to the 51st Indiana, 13th Micliigan and 73d Indiana to cross 
simultaneously, to form on the opposite bank, and to press forward and 
seize the commanding bights beyond ; while the 64th and 65th Ohio, 
with Bradley's Battery, were directed to follow as rapidly as possible. 
Tlie skirmishers had barely left the bank of the river, before they were 
vigorously attacked by those of the enemy, concealed in a thicket and 
behind a fence in our front. Our skirmishers in no way daunted l)y this 
fierce assault of the enemy, pressed gallantly forward, driving the foe, 
until they came upon the enemy in force. The skirmishers were soon 
supported by the front line of the brigade. The enemy seemed to have 
been entirely disconcerted by this bold movement of our trooj)s, and fell 
back in confusion. In this movement our loss was two killed and three 
wounded. This slight loss must be attributed to the able manner in 
whicli the officers of the brigade conducted their commands. A prisoner 
taken, reported an entire division of the enemy on my front; and move- 
ments along the entire front and flanks indicated that a strong force was 
near me. I reported this to the general commanding the division ; at 
the same time stating that I could hold the position until reinforced. I 
soon received orders to recross the stream ; which I did ; occupying the 
same ground as betVu'e crossing. This movement was so quickly execu- 



BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 103 

ted, as not to excite the suspicion of the enemy. Too much praise cannot 
be accorded to the brave officers and men of this brigade, for their bravery 
and skill in th"iving a concealed enemy from a strong jjosition, after night- 
fall, and lidding their ground in the face of an enemy three times their 
numbers. 

On Dec. 30, '62, about 8 A. M., the enemy's battery, stationed 

on an eminence near the right bank of Stone River, opened a severe fire 
of shot and shell upon my camp. Bradley's battery was ordered into 
position, to engage that of the enemy. After a severe engagement of 15 
minutes, Capt. Bradley succeeded in silencing the enemy's battery. My 
command sustained no loss in this engagement. 

On the 31st, about 8 a. m., I received orders from Gen. Wood, to cross 
the rjver with my command. The movement was commenced, in obe- 
dience to Gen. Wood's order, but was suspended for a few minutes by an 
order emanating from Gen. Crittenden. While awaiting furtlier orders, 
jNIaj. Gen. Kosecrans passed my command, and gave me «lirect instruc- 
tions to proceed immediately to the support of the right wing of our army, 
which was yielding to an overwlielming force of the enemy at that point. 
We had hardly commenced moving toward the right, when a Confede- 
rate battery located on the south bank of the river, opened on us, killing 
1 man and wounding 2. Not stopping to reply to this battery, we pressed 
steadily forward. On approaching the right, much confusion was visi- 
ble; troops marching in every direction ; stragglers to be seen in great 
numbers; and teamsters in great consternation, endeavoring to drive 
their teams they knew not whither. My progress was impeded by the 
confusion, while the enemy was pouring shot and shell upon us from at 
least three diflferent directions, wounding several men in my command. 
The brigade was, however extricated from this perilous position as soon 
as jjossible, and pressed on to a position on the extreme right of our line ; 
Col. Fyflfe's brigade, of Gen. VanCleve's division, being immediately on 
our left. After reaching this last position, my brigade marched in two 
lines, the 51st Indiana on rlie right, 65th Ohio on the left, the battery a 
little retired and opposite the interval between; 6-lth Ohio on the right of 
the second line, the 73d Indiana on the left, with the 13th Afichigan in 
the rear of the caissons. We marched in tills order about half a mile, 
when our skirmishers came up with those of the enemy, and the fire be- 
came brisk in front. About this time a batterj^ from the enemy, situated 
in a cornfield, and nearly opposite my right flank, opened upon my com- 
mand with canister. In order to get a commanding position for artillery, 
and at the same time to guard well my rigiit Hank, which I was fearful 
the enemy would attempt to turn, i moved the command a little to the 
right. While this movement was being executed, an officer reporteil a 
strong force and a battery of the enemy in front. Xo sooner had I taken 
position on the crest of the hill, than a most vigorous engagement com- 
menced. * When it had continued twenty minutes, it was reported 
that the troops on my left had given waj', and the enemy was already in 



104 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the rear of my left flank, and about two hundred yards from it, pouring 
a destruetive cross-flre on my troops. It became necessary to fall back. 

My thanlvs are due to Col. A. D. 8treigiit for valuable information of 
the movements of tiie enemy during thi? engagement. 

On Jan 1, the 1st division was moved a little to the right and rear. 
My brigade occupied a central position in tlie division, on the front line 
of battle, and a short distance to the left of the Murfreesboro pike. We 
were hardly in position, before the enemy drove in our slcirmisliers. 
Bradley's battery, with others, opened a destructive fire of case-shot and 
shell, driving the enemy from our front, and sustaining no loss. 

Jan. 2, Bradley's battery being in position on a small eminence on 
our front, supported on the right by the 64th and 65th Ohio, behind a 
sn)all clump of trees, and on the left by the 51st Indiana, lying in {<» skirt 
of timber; while the IStli Michigan and 73d Indiana were in reserve, 3 
batteries of the enemy opened on us. They were promptly responded to 
by Capt. Bradley and another battery on my right; when the most fear- 
ful artillery engagement ensued which I had yet had the experience to 
witness. The enemy having our range quite perfectly, poured upon us 
a most destruetive fire, causing the battery on our right to be abandoned ; 
but (^apt. Bradley continued his well-directed firing, until the enemy's 
batteries were silenced. While this engagement was going on, Capt. 
Stokes' battery posted in our rear, opened upon us, mistaking us for the 
enemy. During the engagement we had 1 man killed, and 11 

wounded. About dark we were ordered to cross Stone River. My 

brigade was placed in the front line. We were hardly in position, before 
tiie enemy opened on us, Ivilling 1 man of the 64th Ohio. During the 
night we constructed breastworks of rails, and remained on the front till 
9 A. M., Jan. 3, when we were relieved and ordered to the rear in reserve, 
where we remained till about 3 p. m., when we were again ordered to the 
front, to relieve Wagner's brigade, and occupied a position on the left of 
the 1st Division. We remained in this position till about 1 A. isi., Jan. 4, 
when we received orders to recross Stone River. We crossed the stream 
and took position in rear of the main body of our force, and about 500 
yards to the left of the raihoad, where we remained till the troops occu- 
pied Murfreesboro. ■•■ * 

Capt. Francis M. Constant, C'o. G, and 2d Lieut. Alfred Gude, Co. H, 
51st Indiana, were wounded. 

From Dec. 29 to Jan. 2, inclusive, my brigade occupied some portion 
of the front, and during each day some portion of the forces under my 
command were engaged with the enemy, and sustained greater or less 
losses. For the cheerful manner in which they stood up under these fa- 
tigues aad exposures, they are entitled to commendation. I must 
also mention a circumstance worthy of notice, which occurred on Friday, 
Jan. 2. The enemy's sharpsliooters, taking advantage of the woods in 
our front, and to the right and left, had crept up sufficiently near our 
camp, with tiie evident intention of picking off our general and field 



BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 105 

officers. They annoyed me exceedingly, firiiijic at every mounted officer 
or man who appeared near the front. Desirous of dislodging this eon-, 
cealed foe, I directed the skirmisi\ers to advance, and clear the woods if 
possible. Capt. Chambers, of the 51st Indiana, had command of tlie 
skirmishers, consisting of 40 men from his own company, Companies B 
and D, 73d Indiana; Companies H, E and K, 65th Ohio; Company E, 
04th Oliio. The littledetachment numbered only 120 men. The enemy's 
force was much larger. Our skirmishers drove them until they were 
checked by the enemy's batteries. Thus these brave men not only drove 
a concealed enemy from a strong hiding place, but elicited valuable in- 
formati(jn concerning the position of his masked batteries. This act of 
gallantry elicited the praise and admiration of all who witnessed it." 

Col. Streight's report agrees with those ah'eacly given, 
except in a few details. It begins at about 4 p. m., Dec. 
29, '62, when we arrived on the west bank of Stone River, 
half a mile north of the Murfreesboro and Nashville pike,, 
and two miles from Murfreesboro. Here we were ordered 
to halt ; and we remained till dark, when we got orders to 
cross the river, preparatory to moving upon Murfreesboro. 
As we were fully aware that the enemy occupied the oppo- 
site bank, and as none of our troops had up to that time 
crossed the river, it was necessary to proceed cautiously, to 
avoid running into an ambuscade. Companies A and F 
were deployed as skirmishers, and ordered to cross in ad- 
vance, and engage the enemy briskly ; and if possible, to 
seize the bights on the cast side of the river. No sooner 
had our skirmishers crossed, than the rebels opened fire on 
them briskly, from under cover of a fence but a few yards 
distant. Our skirmishers rushed forward on double-quick, 
and charged upon the rebels, who instantly fled from their 
hiding places. At the same time it was discovered that a 
large number was concealed in a field of standing corn on 
the hillside ; and fearing that they would x:)verw]ielm our 
skirmishers, the whole regiment was hastened forward at 
double-quick. Before the regiment had entirely crossed 
the river, information came that the rebels were advancing 
in line of battle just beyond the crest of the ridge, about 
400 yards to our front. It was at once determined to seize 



106 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the crest before the rebels could get there, if possible ; and 
we started on the run forward. The entire ridge seemed 
to issue forth a continuous flame of fire, yet not a man fal- 
tered, but each seemed to strive to reach the desired point 
in advance of his comrades. The boldness of the move- 
ment, and the alacrity with which it was executed, with a 
well-directed fire, struck terror to the rebels, who fell back 
in dire confusion. Orders came just then to advance no 
further, but to Hold our position. The colonel ordered the 
men to lie down, so as to conceal them as much as possi- 
ble ; and in a few minutes the rebels were seen advancing 
on our position. They were allowed to come within thirty 
steps, when we opened fire on them with such effect, that 
they hardly waited for reply, but broke and fled again. In 
a few minutes reinforcements joined us on our right and 
left. We remained there, without further molestation, till 
about 10 o'clock that night, when orders came to retire to 
the oj^posite bank of the river. After waiting till the rest 
of the brigade had recrossed, the Fifty-First followed ; at 
the same time withdrawing our skirmishers in good order. 
The regiment was marched about 500 yards from the ford, 
where it bivouacked for the night. Light shirmishing was 
all that occurred, till the morning of the 31st, when it was 
evident, from the terrific roar of artillery and musketry, 
that the rebels were turning the extreme right of our army. 
We were at once ordered at double-quick to the right and 
rear ; but had only moved a short distance, when we came 
within range of the enemy's artillery ; yet, though several 
of our boys were wounded, with no chance of striking at 
the enemy, we moved a distance of more than a mile, with 
as perfect reguhirity as if we had been on drill. And even 
when we came in contact with hundreds of excited, noisy, 
jangling teams and teamsters, every command was quietly 
and promptly obeyed, without confusion. After marching 
about 2i miles, we reached the extreme right of the army. 
We had hardlv halted, before we were ordered forward in 



BATTLE OP STONE RIVER. 107 

line of battle across open cotton and corn fields. Compa- 
nies A, B and F were deployed as skirmishers to cover our 
extreme right and front. In this order we proceeded half 
a mile, when our skirmishers, approaching the crest of a 
ridge in front, were fired upon by a large force of rebels, 
concealed in standing corn. Instantly the whole line w^as 
forwarded at a double-quick ; our skirmishers soon came 
upon the enemy, when a well-directed fire sent them skur- 
rying through the corn like the shoats at Gadara. Again 
w^e were fortunate in wresting from the rebels an advantage 
in position. We had a fine chance at them as they were 
skedaddling down those long furrows, for about 400 yards ; 
large numbers of them falling under the superior marks- 
manship of our Hoosier boys. Shortly after we had taken 
possession of tlie ridge, Lieut .-Col. Colescott, in command 
of the skirmishers, sent word to Col. Streight that large 
masses of troops were seen moving toward a piece of woods 
to our left and front. Streight at once notified Col. Har- 
ker, and requested that the 6th Ohio Battery be sent to the 
ridge w^e were then occupying. The battery was soon on 
the ground , but not too soon ; for by the time it was in po- 
sition, the rebels had engaged the troops to our left. Capt. 
Bradley opened a most withering fire, enfilading them at a 
distance of not over 500 yards . They were in column four 
regiments deep. Their dead were literally jailed in heaps, 
by the terrific fire from this battery. The battle had been 
raging about three-quarters of an hour, when word came 
that the division on our left was falling back. At the same 
moment Col. Harker ordered us to fall back ; wdiich we did 
in good order, taking off all of our wounded. Having no 
instruction where to form, w^e took possession of the first 
advantageous ground, expecting to give the enemy battle ; 
but we were soon ordered to resume the position w^e first 
occupied on the extreme right. Companies H and C were 
now deployed as skirmishers. Again we were approached 
by the rebels, and liad got fairly engaged, when they broke 



108 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

and fled from the field in great confusion. It was nearly 
night now, and the contest was ended for the day. Other 
troops came uj), and we were again ordered to the position 
we occupied the day before ; where we bivouacked for the 
night. Early next morning, we were ordered into position 
about half a mile to our right and rear, where we remained 
through the day. Companies A and G, and one company 
from the 73d Indiana, were sent forward as skirmishers, to 
drive the rebels from a piece of woods half a mile to our 
front ; which was accomplished in short order. We had 
nothing further to do tliat day. 

On Jan. 2, Col. Streight took Co. H, with several volun- 
teers from other companies, and drove the rebels from the 
woods formerly occupied by the 21st Brigade. The contest 
was very severe for a short time, but our boys finally got 
the advantage, and what was left of the johnnies, skedad- 
dled. Ten rebels were left dead on the ground, and their 
wounded were scattered in every direction. This was the 
last engagement in this campaign in which the Fifty-First 
participated. 

We took 19 prisoners ; 1 major and 1 captain. From 
careful observation made by Col. Streight, on the various 
grounds over which the Fifty-First fought, he said : 

" I am convinced that we liave killed not less tlian 60 of the enemy ; 
and by adding five times that number, tlie usual proportion of wounded 
to those killed, we have a grand total of 360. These figures, though 
seemingly large for the amount of loss sustained by us, I feel confident 
could be fully verified by the facts. INIost of the ground fought over by 
my regiment lias not been covered by other troops, and in nearly every 
case we have been placed where it was easy to decide which were our 
killed. The success attending us, in most cases, and our small loss, I 
think is attributahle in a great measure to the advantage taken of the 
ground. 

Fettling grateful beyond expression, for the brave soldierly bearing, 
and prompt manner in which both otficers and men performed every 
duty assigned them, I feel a great delicacy in mentioning names." 

Captains Russell, Chambers and Flinn, and the men 
under them received mention for distinguished services. 



BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 109 

Marion Fitch came to the regiment just as it was going 
into action on the first day. He had no knowledge what- 
ever of a gun, save the little experience he had in hunting 
frogs and kildees down on the creek near his home ; but he 
grabbed a rifle, and soon was cracking away with as good 
will as some of the veterans. Many other "troopees" who 
were equally inexperienced, made records in that fight. 

While crossing the river on the night of Dec. 29, a 
ball from a rebel rifle passed over the heads of the men in 
front, striking George W. Holbrook, a recruit of Go. F, 
square in the forehead. He dropped forward in the river, 
but his body was recovered and taken back. He was very 
tall, his higlit being 6 feet, 7 inches. He had enlisted but 
six days before. 

During a lull in the first day's fight, John Gasper, Co. 
C, sat down on a spur of a large tree to rest. On the sec- 
ond day, the fortune of battle brought him to the same spot. 
Just then a big solid ball struck the same tree, scattering 
chi]3s in every direction. Gasper gave a big sigh, and an 
expression of relief. 

''What's the matter?" asked a comrade. 

"Gome mighty nigh bein' shot!" 

"How?" 

"Why, that ball struck right where I sat yesterday !" 

As we fell back, on the 31st, Martin Phillippe, Go. E, 
was struck by a bullet in the back part of the right calf, 
the ball splitting, and fitting itself so firmly around the 
bone, that the ball had to be chipped ott'. In the Raid, 
near Rome, Ga., the same soldier had a similar experience, 
a ball entering the left calf, exactly as in the first instance 
it entered the right. 

As we moved over, on the morning of Dec. 31, to take 
position on the right, Gapt. M. T. Anderson, Go. D, was 
seriously wounded in the head, by the concussion of a shell. 
At the same time, Orderly Sergeant David Denny, Go. E, 
lost the skirt of his overcoat, that was swept away by a 



110 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

cannon ball . Many other comrades received similar little 
courtesies ; and were thankful that they were no worse. 

Among the many brave acts of our boys, was the cap- 
ture of a rebel major, by Corporal Clements, of Co. C, who 
marched his prisoner to the rear, with 9 others, and turned 
them into the "bull-pen." 

Up to this time, war had been more of a school — a 
sort of system of experiments, than otherwise. From this 
time on , we got down to business ; and the reports show an 
enormous increase in the killed and wounded in battle. It 
was found much cheaper and better in the long run, than 
to chase around over the country after skedaddling rebels, 
or to lie in camp, waiting for them to attack us. And, as 
usual, the common soldiers arrived at this point long before 
the generals did. It was found that strategy was only the 
method of cowards. More pluck was needed; indeed that 
was what conquered the rebellion. And right there comes 
in the point of comparison between the hobbling tactics of 
the Corinth campaign and the Bragg chase, with their re- 
spective originators and managers. Anybody could figure 
on the possibilities of a campaign ; but it took real soldiers 
to fight. We had got the poor material weeded out pretty 
much ; and when the order came to go in where the battle 
raged, every eye brightened, and every form straightened 
up to its full hight, as the command rang down the line : 

" 'Tention, Fifty-First ! Load at will ! — fix bayonets ! 
— forward ! — fire at will ! — march !" 

Quickly the bayonet flashed from its scabbard, and 
clicked as it was firmly fixed ; then hands flew to cartridge- 
boxes, teeth tore off the end, the charge was thrust into 
.the muzzle ; the rammer slipped nimbly from its place, to 
drive home the deadly ball, and returned as swiftly to its 
socket ; finger and thumb placed the cap , and all was ready 
in a moment, and the column was moving forward. They 
step cautiously, observing meanwhile the alignment; care- 
fully inspecting cartridge-boxes, to see that they are well 



BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. Ill 

supplied with ammunition. Tlien tlie balls begin to whiz 
about their heads ; but they do not falter. Batteries are 
pounding away ; trees and every other sort of shelter are 
taken advantage of; shells fall thick and fast, and genera] 
havoc ensues. Then the colonel again shouts : 

" 'Tention, Fifty-First! Fire at will! — charge — with 
a yell!" 

And no power on earth could withstand the awful com- 
bination of such a terrific volley, such a withering yell, 
and the gleaming of those murderous bayonets ! A rebel 
flag is shot down . More yells follow ; as the miserable rag 
is torn to pieces , to be sent home in the next letters . 

Thus the battle rages, to the end ; and our boys come 
up smiling after each sanguinary round. 

Jan. 4 '63, was spent in burying the dead ; and on the 
5th our army occupied Murfreesboro, which was most elab- 
orately fortified. 

We were satisfied with fighting, and were glad to rest. 
We had had a hard time since Christmas ; without tents, 
and fighting more or less every day, much of the time on 
short rations, and part of the time without any. It had 
rained most of the time, too ; but amidst all these trials 
and hardships, the boys stood it well. 

The fall of Murfreesboro, and the complete rout of 
Bragg's army, was a terrible disappointment to the copper- 
heads of Indiana, who had planned to openly recognize the 
rebel confederacy, and to still further divide the Union by 
antagonizing the Northwest and the New England States. 
Their scheme was badly frost-bitten. 

"Indianapolis, Inu,, .Jan, •!, ISHo— !): 20 i>. m. 

Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: 

I am advised that it is oontempiati'd wiu'ii the 
Legislature meets, to pass a joint resolution acknowledging the Southern 
Confederafw, and urging the States of the Northwest to dissolve all con- 
stitutional relations with the New England States. The same thing is 
on foot in Illinois. O. P. Mokton, 

Governor of Indiana." 



112 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

NOLINSVILLE RECONNOISANCE . 

Nothing of importance occurred in the Fifty-First, till 
the 13th, when a reconnoisance was made from Murfrees- 
boro to Nolinsville. This may be most briefly told in the 
language of Col. Wagner's report to Gen. Hascall, com- 
manding 1st Division : 

"In accordance with orders from Gen. Rosecrans, on the morning 
of the 13th, at 2 A. M.. I niareiied from can)p in the direction of Triune. 
My force consisted of the 3d Brigade, Col. 8treiglit commanding, the 2d 
Brigade, (my own,) and Capt, Otis' brigade of eavahy ; about TOO strong. 
The crossing of tlie river was ditiicult, detaining us some time. The 
route was by way of Lizzard and Lane's store, to the pi lie at Bole Jack. 
Here we saw some eight or ten mounted men, who seemed to be posted 
as lookouts, on the hill ; only one was taken. We saw nothing 

of importance, and moved forward to Nolinsvile, where w^e camped 

for tiie night. Here we ascertained that Wheeler had been joined by 
Forest, with 1,000 men, making tlie entire force 3,000, and 7 pieces of ar- 
tillery. On tlie morning of the 14th I was ordered to move to Kagleyille, 
14 miles, to strike the enemy. Rain prevented, as on the morn- 

ing of tlie 15th ifc was impossible to move. * Owing to the rain and 
cold, the men suffered much. The ofticers did not suffer so mucl), yet 
some complained more than those who waded knee-deep. The men, 
when they came to a vast pond or creek, raised a shout or a song, and 
plunged in. The stones of the jjike cut their shoes badly." 

On the 14th, it rained all day, and we camped that 
night twelve miles from Murfreesboro. There seems to be 
a very important omission in Gen. Hascall's report ; for at 
this point there is information from another and reliable 
source, that we were suddenly attacked by superior num- 
bers. It was a critical moment, and every one knew we 
must get out of there as speedily as possible, or we would 
be captured. Lieutenant Dooley, seeing the situation, and 
knowing the necessity for prompt action, did not wait for 
the colonel, lieutenant-colonel or major, all of whom were 
present ; but rushing to the front of the line , shouted at 
the top of his voice, ''Battalion ! forward, double-quick, to 
the ravine !" The order was as promptly obeyed ; the field 
officers bringing up the rear. 

While skirmishing at Lavergne, along a little creek 



CAPTURED BY GUERRILLAS. 113 

on the left of the pike, Henry Moore saw a man dressed in 
citizen's clothes riding along the fence on the opposite side 
of an open field. Suspecting him of being a rebel, Henry 
made up his mind to capture him. So, witliout orders, he 
rushed across the field, despite the enemy's bullets, halted 
the fellow, marched him into our lines, and delivered him 
at brigade headquarters. The prisoner was a Kentuckian, 
and boasted of his superior blood. He was so humiliated, 
that he cried like a baby . 

March 8, '63, Lieut .-Col. Colescott resigned, leaving 
the regiment in command of Major Denny, Col. Streight 
being in Indianapolis, collecting absentees. 

COL. STREIGHT CAPTURES HIS CAPTORS. 

March 20, '63, while en route from Louisville to Nash- 
ville, the train in which Colonel Streight and a number of 
other soldiers were going to the front, was captured by 65 
guerrillas, who threw the train off by placing obstructions 
on the track. The engine, tender and two baggage cars 
were completely wrecked ; but, strange to say, no one was 
hurt. The rebels wanted to parole the soldiers, but they 
refused to be paroled ; believing they could escape before 
getting into the rebel lines. During the parley, fifty men 
belonging to the 129th Illinois, came in sight, when the 
guerrillas ran for their horses. Colonel Streight instantly 
took command, and they pursued; killing two, wounding 
a number, and capturing several horses. They then went 
to work, cleared the wreck away, sent for an engine, and 
arrived in Nashville next morning all right. 

[From the Official War Records.] 

"Louisville, IMar. 19, 1S68. 
Maj. Gen. Wri(;ht, Cinclnnafi : 

Rebels captured passenger train this al'lernoon near 
Mitehellville, Tenn. Col. Streight had men on the train, and gave fight. 
Were lighting at last accounts. Gen, Judah telegraphs he had sent 200 
reinforcements. Train thrown oft the track. * * 

J. T. Boyle, 
Brig. Gen., Comdg. Dist. of Kv. 
8 



114 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



THE RAID TO ROME. 

ORGANIZATION OP THE PROVISIONAL EXPEDITION. 

Then comes the "Provisional Campaign," in which is 
included the voluminous history of the capture of the regi- 
ment, and incarceration in Libby Prison, as well as the 
romantic escape of some, and death of others. 

Van Home's report of this campaign, says : 

''April 7th, Gen. Rosecrans organized a provisional brigade of 1,700 
men for independent .service, and assigned Col. A. D. Streiglit to its com- 
mand, with instructions to repair to Nashville and prepare to make an 
expedition into Alabama and Georgia to interrupt communications and 
destroy property of all kinds useful to the enemy. Having obtained a 
partial supply of unserviceable mules, Col. .Streight proceeded to Pal- 
myra, and thence across to P"'t. Henry, gathering on the way as many 
serviceable animals as possible. At Ft. Henry he embarked for Kastport, 
Miss. He left that point on the 21st, reached Tuscumbia on the 24th, 
and moved thence on the 26th for Moulton. Leaving that place at mid- 
night on the 28th, he pressed forward through Day's Gap toward Blounts- 
ville. While passing through the Gap, his rear-guard was attacked by 
Forrest's cavalry. The enemy followed him tiirough Blountsville, Gads- 
den, and on toward Rome. He defeated Forrest repeatedly, but his men 
and his animals becoming jaded, he lost heavily by capture. Witli 
diminished ranks, and in almost utter destitution of serviceable ammu- 
nition, (his ammunition had been injured by fording streams,) he moved 
on, and crossed the Chattooga river, in hope of destroying the bridge at 
Rome. But in this he failed, as the enemy pressed upon him so closely, 
that his men became exhausted, and many having been already killed 
and captured, and there being no hope of accomplisliing tlie object of his 
expedition, he surrendered to Forrest on the 8d of May. This enterprise 
was boldly conceived, and tliere was no lack of bravery and energy iti 
its conduct, but the contingencies were not clearly apprehended, and the 
actual results did not compensate for the loss of so many men and so 
much material. But failure though it was, it was the t^'pe of enterprises 
which, undertaken under better conditions, resulted in brilliant success. 
It was a misrake to start with a half supply of poor animals, depending 
mainly upon captures to mount half ills command at the start. This 



THE RAID TO ROME. 115 

plan caused delay iu starting, and the result was that the enemy was en- 
countered in superior nutn hero soon after Col. Streight had passed beyond 
the reach of support. The enemy's partis^an leaders in their raids in 
Tennessee and Kentucky, had citizens of these States for soldiers, could 
always depend upon the friendship and assistance of a large portion of 
the inhabitants, and, besides, were themselves tlioroughly acquainted 
witii the country, and consequently were hardly ever ignorant of the 
strength of the forces operating against them, or of the short routes to 
safety. Tlio conditions of success were very different subsequently, when 
tiie national forces undertook to interrupt the enemy's communications 
and make destructive raids. Such enterprises were given an unheralded 
start, and were prepared for quick movement, or else had sucli strength 
as to defy ordinary opposition. These ct nditions were wanting in Col. 
Streight's adventure." 

All of which is true, and leads to the moral: You 
can't jump into the king-row, when it's full. Also, it is 
easy to stand off and tell how. 

The following, which is compiled from the testimony 
of those who particii^ated in that famous expedition, and 
from the Official War Records, tells the story more fully ; 
and it also exposes the perfidy of the notorious guerrilla, 
and sneaking cutthroat, Forrest, to whom Colonel Streight 
surrendered his command, and who telegraphed to the 
rebel authorities a very sensational and lying account of 
the affair, in which he praised himself greatly. 

In the spring of 1863, Colonel Streight applied to 
Gen. Rosecrans for an independent mounted brigade, with 
which to engage the guerrilla bands of Forrest and Wheel- 
er and other rebel organizations that infested the banks of 
the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, and caused a great 
deal of annoyance to our transportation. Tliis enterprise 
was favorably received by General Garfield, who was tlien 
chief of General Rosecrans' stafi', and who presented the 
matter to the department commander in sucli juanner as 
to gain his consent to its organization. It was designated 
as the "Independent Provisional Brigade," designed for 
special secret service. 

On April 7, '68, Colonel Streight received orders from 
General Rosecrans to proceed with the Provisional Brigade, 



116 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

about 1,700 officers and men, composed of the following: 
51st Indiana, Lt.-Col. Jas. W. Sheets. 
73d Indiana, Col. Gilbert Hathaway. 
3d Ohio, Col. Orris A. Lawson. 
80tli Illinois, Lt.-Col — Rogers. 
Middle Tennessee Cavalry, (2 companies,) 

Capt. D. D. Smith. 
They were to go to Nashville, and fit out as speedily 
as possible for an expedition to the interior of Alabama 
and Georgia, for the purpose of destroying the railroads 
and other rebel property in those States. He was to draw 
about one-half the mules necessary to mount the command 
at Nashville, and seize in the country through which they 
passed a sufficient number of animals to mount the rest. 

On arriving at Nashville, Colonel Streight organized 
the following staff : 

Capt. D. L. Wright, 51st Ind., A. A. A. G. 
Maj. W. L. Peck, 3d Ohio, Brigade Surgeon. 
Quartermaster J. G. Doughty, 51st Ind., A. Q- M. 
Capt. E. M. Driscoll, 3d Ohio, A. A. I. G. 
Lieut. J. W. Pavey, 80th Illinois, Ordnance Officer. 
Lieut. A. C. Roach, 51st Indiana, A. D. C. 
It is proper, at this point, to introduce the following 
correspondence, relating to this expedition : 

Rosecrans to Hiirlhurt : 

" MuRFREESBoKO, April 2, 186.3—11 p. m. 
Col. Streight, witli near 2,000 picked men, will probably reach p]ast- 
port by Thursday next. Dodge, with tlie jNIarine Brigade and tlie gun- 
boats, can occupy or whip the Tuscumbia forces, and let my force go 
directly to its main object, the destruction of the railroads. This great 
enterprise,- fraught with great consequences, I beg you to commend to 
Dodge's care, enjoining on him to despatch Streight by every means to 
his destination. Nothing, if possible, should arrest his progress." 

Crittenden to Garfield : 

f "Hdqks. 21st Army Corps, 
i Murfreesboro, April 6, 1863. 
Brig. (jien. J. A. Garfield, C/iief of Staff: 

Sir — On more than one occasion I have had 



THE RAID TO ROME. 117 

some brief conversation witli tlie cornniandinff fjenerul in rejijiinl to the 
enterprise proposed by Col. 8treiglit, of tlie 51st Indiana Voiuiiteers, for 
cutting the enemy's communications in iiis rear. Tiiis is certainly a 
most important movement, and if it could be crowned with anything 
like a reasonable amount of success, would undoubtedly lead to great 
results. My object is to offer some suggestions, supposing that the 

commanding general should decide Col. Streight's scheme to be feasible. 



Garfield to StreigJd — Assignment : 

"April 7, 1863. 

Colonel— By Special Field Orders No. 94, Paragraj)!! viii, you have 
been assigned to the command of an independent provisional brigade for 
temporary purposes. After fitting out your command with e(]uipments 
and supplies, as you have already been directed, in tlie verbal instruc- 
tions of the general commanding this department, you will proceed by a 
route, of which you will be advised by telegraph, to some good steamboat 
landing on the Tennessee River, not far above Ft. Henry, wliere you will 
embark your commtuid, and proceed up the river. At Hamburg you will 
confer with Brig. Gen. Dodge, who will probably have a messenger 
there awaiting your arrival. If it should tiien api)ear unsafe to move 
farther up the river, you will debark at Hamburg, and without delay, 
join the force of Gen. Dodge, which will then be en route for luka. Miss. 
If, however, it should be deemed safe, you will land at Eastport, and 
form a junction with Gen. Dodge. 

From that point you will tiien march, in conjunction witii him, to 
menace Tuscumbia, but you will not wait to join in an attack, unless it 
should be necessary for the safety of Gen. Dodge's command, or your 
own, or unless some considerable advantage can be gained over the en- 
emy without intejfering with tiie general object of the expedition. 

After having marched lonii enough with Gen. Dodge to create a 
general impression that you are a part of his expedition, you will push 
to the southward, and reach Russellville or Moulton. Tlience your route 
will be governed by circunii-tances, but you will, with ail reasonable de- 
spatch, push on to Western Georgia, an 1 cut the railroads which supply 
the rebel army by way of Chattanooga. To accomplish this, is the chief 
object of your expedition ; and you must not allow collateral nor inciden- 
tal schemes, even though promisinu great results, to delay you so as to 
endanger your return. Your quartermaster has been furnished with 
funds sufficient for the necessary expenses of your command. You will 
draw your supplies, and keej) your command well mounted, from the 
country through which you pass. For all property taken for the legiti- 
mate use of your command, you will make cash payments in full to men 
of undoubted loyalty; give the usual C(»nditional receipts to men whose 
loyalty is doubtful, but to rebels nothing. 

You are particularly commanded to restram your command from 



118 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

pillai^e and nitiiaudiiig-. You will destroy all depots of .supplies of the 
rebel army, all manufactories of .i^uiis, ammunition, eouipments and 
clothing for their use, which you can without delaying you so as to en- 
danger your return. 

That you may not be trammeled witli minute instructions, nothing 
further will be ordered than this general outline of policy and operation. 
You are authorized to enlist all able-bodied men who desire to join the 
Army of the Union." 

Str eight to Garfield: 

" Nashville, April 9, 1868. 

Sir — Your instructions of to-day are received, among which are the 
following : * •■■ * * 

The destruction of manufacturing establishments engaged in manu- 
facturing directly for the use of the rebel army, I consider a duty which 
I would have no right to leave undone, when in my power, even in the 
absence of any instructions. Every cotton mill, tannery or otl)er manu- 
facturing establishment, and all (piantities of corn, bacon, salt, or other 
supplies for the use or subsistence of an army within rebel lines, is indi- 
rectly supporting the enemy. Now, while iiumanity would dictate that 
such necessaries of life as were intended only for immediate family use 
should be spared, yet it is clearly my oi)inion that all large quantities of 
anything necessary for the use of an army, as well as factories producing 
such articles, should be destroyed, whether such be private or public 
property. I think I fully understand the course you desire me to pursue 
in relation to this matter; nevertheless I would prefer you send me writ- 
ten instructions. 

Second, the rebels not having regular uniforms, would it be violating 
the rules of war, should I see tit to dress any number of men — say two 
companies, after the promiscuous Southern style? Something of this 
kind might be advantageous, sjjould you not think it an improper course 
to pursue." 

He probably got a strong refusal to his latter proposi- 
tion, as no indication appears, neither in the Official War 
Records, nor in the conduct of the expedition, of any in- 
dorsement of it. His last communication to the chief of 
staff, was on April 9 : 

" We can start within three hours from the time ot receiving orders,, 
provided Col. Taylor sends the paulins in time." 

As soon as possible, all hands were at work to supply 
the command with the necessary clothing, ordnance and 
equipments for an expedition of this kind ; and on the 10th 
Col. Streight received orders from Gen. Garfield, to embark 



THE RAID TO ROME. 119 

at once on steamers then at the landing, and proceed down 
the river to Pahiiyra ; hand there, and march across to Fort 
Henry ; and to seize all the horses and mules found in the 
country. Everything was speedily x^ut on board, although 
it was late in the evening before the mules were brought to 
the landing for shipment. 

As soon as everything was ready, the command started 
for Palmyra ; where they arrived on the evening of the 
11th, and disembarked at once. Colonel Streight sent the 
fleet, consisting of eight steamers, around to Fort Henry, 
under the command of Colonel Lawson, 3d Ohio, and gave 
him four companies from the Fifty-First, as guard. He 
had orders to stop at Smithland, and take on a quantity of 
rations and forage for Gen. Dodge's command. 

As soon as it was light next morning, all hands were 
set at work to catch and saddle the mules. It was then 
discovered for the first time, that the mules were nothing 
but poor, wild and unbroken colts, many of them but two 
years old, and that a large number of them had distemper. 
Forty or fifty of the lot were too near dead to travel, and 
had to be left at the landing. Ten or twelve died before 
starting; and such as could be ridden at all, were so wild 
and unmanageable, that it took the boys all that day and 
part of the next to catcli and break them ; but in the mean- 
time parties w^ere sent out to gather in horses and mules ; 
and had succeeded in getting about 150 very good animals, 
though mostly barefooted. 

On the loth, the command left Palmyra, and marched 
about 15 miles in a southwesterly direction , and camped 
on Yellow Creek. The scouting jiarties did not succeed in 
finding many horses or mules. The people had got warn- 
ing of the movement, and the stock was mostly run off. 

Early next morning, the march was resumed, and the 
command arrived at Fort Henry about noon on the 15th. 
They had scoured the country as far south as it was safe, 
on account of the proximity of a large force of the enemy. 



120 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

under Woodward ; and although about 100 of the mules 
gave out and had to be left behind on the march, yet when 
they reached Fort Henry, the animals numbered about 
1,250. Those collected in the country, were mostly in fair 
condition, but were nearly all barefooted. Contrary to ex- 
pectations, the boats had not arrived ; nor did they reach 
there until the evening of the 16th ; having been delayed 
in getting the rations and forage above referred to. 

Gen. Ellet's marine brigade and two gunboats accom- 
panied the fleet to Fort Henry ; with orders to proceed as 
far as Eastport, Miss. Gen. EUet assumed command of 
the fleet, and tlie command embarked as soon as possible ; 
but the pilots delared that, at the existing low stage of the 
river, it would be unsafe to run at night; hence, they did 
not start until the morning of the 17th ; reaching Eastport 
on the afternoon of the 19th. 

Streight to Dodge : 

J "Hdqrs. Provisional Brigade, 
iSavannai), Tenn., April 18, 1863. 
I will move up the river at daylight to-morrow morning. We 
have 130,000 rations on board for you. Will halt at Hamburg, for mes- 
senger for you, and if I do not hear from you there, I will proceed to 
Eastport, where I shall endeavor to open communication with you. 
Ellet's Marine Brigade and four gunboats are with us." 

Streiglit to 3Irs. Streight : 

"April 18, 1863. 
tSteamer Hazel Bell, Tennessee Fleet, 40 miles above Pittsburg Land- 
ing. •■■" I am in command of a fleet of some 20 boats, including several 
gunboats, also a large force of infantry, cavalry and artillery. I am 

entering into a most ditficult and dangerous service. My command is 
curious to know where we are going. The general has trusted to my 
hands a very important command. 1 hope I will not disappoint him." 

Immediately on arrival at Eastport, Colonel Streight 
left Col. Lawson in command, with orders to disembark, 
and prepare to march ; while he went to see Gen. Dodge, 
who with his command, some 8,000 strong, was awaiting 
his arrival twelve miles up Bear River. After an interview 
with Gen. Dodge, the colonel returned to Eastport about 



THE RAID TO ROME. 121 

midnight, to discover that a stampede had occurred among 
the animals, and that some of them had escaped. 

Daylight next morning revealed the fact that nearly 
400 of the best animals were gone. All that day and part 
of the next was spent in scouring the country to recover 
them, but only 200 of them could be found. The rest fell 
into the hands of the rebels. 

The loss of these animals was a heavy blow ; for in 
addition to detaining the command dit Eastj)ort to hunt the 
stock, it caused still further delay at Tuscumbia, to supply 
their places. Quite a number of the mules drawn at Nash- 
ville, had to be left at Eastport, on account of distemper. 
Several died next day. 

Gen. Hurlburt to Gen. Hallech : 

" JNlEMPHis, April 20, 1863—3 p. M. 
The enemy at Tuscumbia has been largely reinforced by infantry. 
Delay in Streight's coming compelled Dodge to attack. He did so, and 
drove them from Bear Creek to Caney Creek, with heavy loss. Our loss 
100 and one piece of artillery, that was disabled, but saved. Streight is 
now in Eastport, in communication with Dodge and the gunboats. I 
reinforced Dodge to-day with 2,000 men, and with instructions that, if 
he finds the enemy too strong to be dislodged from Tuscumbia, Streight 
should proceed iu rear of Dodge, by Tupelo, and then across the country. 
I sent cavalry on Friday, to cut the Mobile and Ohio Railroad below Tu- 
pelo, and also to push down to the Jackson and Vicksburg Railroad, and 
cut that. I recommend a strong demonstration on the enemy's left, to 
relieve the movement on Tuscumbia. Col. Streiglit did not 

come up until four days after the time agreed upon for the movement to 
commence." 

Oglcshy to JIurlburt : 

" Corinth, April 21, 1S03— 12 m. 
* Dodge will move Wednesday morning, to strike the 

enemy at Tuscumbia on P'riday. Streight is to move on this night, to 
go to his work, if Dodge will not require his supi)ort. Dotlge will nave 
to remain there two weeks, to cover Streight's operations." 

Dodge to Ogleshy : 

"Tuscumbia, April 24, 18G3— 11 : 20 p. >r. 
I have taken this place, without any severe fighting. The enemy 
steadily opposed our advance. It was a pretty little tight. I shall go 
forward in the morning, and help Streight in his movement all I can. 



122 FIP^TY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Tliey rail ears in liere two days ago, and repaired tlie railroad. * I 
tliiuk the entire force ahead does not exceed 5,000 men. * I shall 

take Florence to-day. Our advance creates great consternation. They 
are in full belief that this is a flank movement on Johnson, and so in- 
formed him. I do not dispute it, and will make him back out if possible." 

Colonel Streiglit to Mrs. StreigJd : 

"TuscuMBiA, Ala., April 26, 1868. 
Leave here to-morrow morning at 1 o'clock for parts unknown. My 
whole command is now mounted, excepting about 200 men, which I 
hope to be able to mount to-morrow. * I am confident of success, 

but may fail ; in which case I may be taken prisoner ; but I trust all will 
come out right. If I succeed, it will aid our cause more than everything 
that has heretofore been done by our entire army." 

Streiglit to Garfield: 

"TuscuMBiA, Ala., April 26, 1863. 
After numerous difficulties and delays, I am at last supplied with 
animals to mount all but 200 of my command. I have met with a great 
drawback on account of mules drawn at Nashville being such poor ones. 
I shall start at 1 o'clock to-morrow morning for Russellville, and from 
thence to Moulton, and find what facts I can gather relative to the con- 
dition of things on the route. I have strong hopes of procuring the 
necessary animals to supply me. I wrote you fully from Eastport, and 
sent it by Capt. P'itch, commanding the gunboats. I learn since, how- 
ever, that he is still there. Gen. Dodge has let me have nearly 400 
animals, and has done everything in his power to aid me; but the people 
throughout the country here run off most of their horses and mules. 
This, with the worthlessness of those brought from Nashville, together 
with what Col. Lawson lost in the stampede in my absence, as referred 
to in my last, has put me to my trumps ; nevertheless I am very hopeful 
and confident of success. I shall pusii on as fast as possible, and rest as- 
sured that nothing shall be left undone on my part to insure success; 
though there is something of a force between here and Decatur, variously 
estimated from 1,500 to 4,000 men. I hope to get two or three days the 
start of them ; and should they chase me too fast, I will turn upon them 
and give them battle in the niountains. Col. Hathaway joined us on 
Friday last. He will be of great help to me. *" 

Gen. Sweeny to Col. Morton, Coindg . :3d Brigade: 

j "Hdqrs. Right Wing, 

I Town Creek, Ala., April 27, 1863. 

All inquiries of the inhabitants will be answered with the idea 

"that the column is falling back on Tuscumbia for reintorcements, and 

great pains taken to impress them with that idea ; the object being to 

mislead them as to our intentions. Keep them employed with watching 



THE RAID TO ROME. 123 

this column, in order to give time to Col, Streiglit's command to reach 
the mountains." 

The "Provisional Brigade" left Eastport on the after- 
noon of April 21, and reached Gen. Dodge's headquarters 
the following morning about 8 o'clock. From there they 
proceeded in rear of Gen. Dodge's forces, which were con- 
tinually skirmishing with the rebels as they advanced, as 
far as Tuscumbia ; scouring the country to the river on the 
left, and to the motmtains on the right, and collected all 
the horses and mules that could be found. 

The command arrived at Tuscumbia about 5 p. m., on 
April 24. Here Gen. Dodge supplied our men with about 
200 mules and six wagons ; the latter to haul ammunition 
and rations. The surgeon was directed to carefully exam- 
ine the command ; and all who were not fit for the arduous 
trip, were sent with Gen. Dodge to Corinth, and afterward 
to Chattanooga. This reduced the command to 1,500. 

General Dodge was positive that Forrest had crossed 
the Tennessee River, and was then in the vicinity of Town 
Creek; and he agreed to advance as far as Courtland, on 
the Decatur road, and if possible drive him in that direc- 
tion ; but to pursue him, if he turned off toward Moulton. 

With this understanding, otir command marched from 
Tuscumbia at 11 o'clock on the night of the 26th, in the 
direction of Moulton, by way of Russellville. It was rain- 
ing very hard, and the mud and darkness combined made 
progress difficult and slow. One hundred and fifty men 
had neither horses nor mules, and those of fully as many 
more were unable to carry more than their saddles ; hence 
at least 300 men were on foot. 

It was expected that the greater portion of otir force 
would reach Moulton, some forty miles distant, by the next 
night; but, owing to the heavy rains, and consequent bad 
condition of the roads, it was impossible. It was therefore 
determined to halt at Mount Hope, and wait for those on 
foot to come up. Accordingly, the first night after leaving 



124 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Tuscuinbia, the entire mounted force bivouacked at Mount 
Hof)e, a village in Lawrence county, Ala., having made a 
march of 34 miles, over mountainous and almost impass- 
able roads. Col. Streight took up his quarters at the house 
of a wealthy old rebel ; whose daughter, however, claimed 
to be loyal, and did all in her power for the comfort of her 
guests. She so thoroughly impressed the colonel, that he 
ordered the quartermaster to pay her for a fine horse taken 
by one of the boys on foot. 

They were continually scouring the country for horses 
and mules ; but so many of those drawn at Nashville were 
failing, that, although successful in collecting very many, 
still a large number were without anything to ride. 

On the night of the 27th, at Mount Hoj^e, word came 
from General Dodge tliat he had driven the enemy ; and he 
directed our command to push on . Our boj^s had not all 
come up yet ; nor did they until about 10 a. m., next day ; 
when the command proceeded to Moulton, the county seat, 
where they arrived about dark. Up to this time they had 
skirmished occasionally with small squads of guerrillas, 
but could hear of no force of any consequence in that part 
of country. All of the command but about fifty were now 
mounted. 

The advance consisted of Captain Smith's two compa- 
nies of cavalry, who charged into the town about sunset, 
putting to flight and capturing a small company of Roddy's 
command. In the jail many loyal citizens had been con- 
fined for defending the old flag. Many of these had been 
friends and neighbors of Captain Smith's command, who 
themselves were refugees from Southern intolerance and 
malignity. It was with difficulty, therefore, that they were 
prevented from tearing to the ground the building, whose 
damp walls and filthy cells had confined their dear ones so 
long, for no other cause than their fidelity to the principles 
on which our Union is based, and for which we were then 
fighting. 



THE RAID TO ROME. 125 

The Provisional Brigade left Moulton in the direction 
of Mountsville, by way of Day's Gap, about midnight on 
April 28 . The two previous days it had rained most of the 
time, and the roads were terrible ; though on the evening 
of the 28th it bade fair for dry weather ; which gave great 
hope for better times. The command marched on the 29th 
to Day's Gap, about 35 miles, wdiere they bivouacked for 
the night. Everyman was now mounted ; and although 
many of the animals were very poor, they had no doubt of 
being able to supply all future demands. During the day 
a large number of wagons, belonging to the rebels, and 
filled with provisions, arms, tents, etc., that had been sent 
to the mountains, to avoid capture, were destroyed. Our 
command was now in the midst of devoted Union people. 
Many of Captain Smith's men were recruited near here, 
and many were the happy greetings betw^een them and 
their friends. 

Nothing could be learned of the enemy, save of small 
parties who were hunting conscripts. Thus far, progress 
toward the prime object of the expedition had been slow ; 
the foot soldiers merely keeping along with the mounted 
force, that was scouring the country for horses. Now, that 
enough had been secured, the command was ready to jDusli 
forward the next morning with rapidity. But, alas ! the 
golden opportunity had passed ; and many brave souls who 
responded to the call on that lovely last day of April, were 
never to see the dawn of another day. 

Our command moved out next morning before day- 
light. The men had been worked very hard, though, in 
running over the country in search of animals, and being 
unaccustomed to riding, were by this time illy prepared for 
the trying ordeal through which they Avere to pass. They 
had not proceeded more than two miles, before the rear 
guard was attacked, and at the same moment the boom of 
artillery was heard in the same direction. The gap which 
ouf force had entered was easily flanked by other passes in 



126 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the mountains, both above and l)elow. Orders, therefore, 
Avere sent to the rear to hold the enemy in check until our 
command could prepare for action. The head of the col- 
umn was on the top of the mountain ; the column moving 
through the gap. So, the enem^ was easily held in check. 

The rebels had moved through the gaps on the right 
and left of our command, and were endeavoring to form a 
junction in advance ; our forces therefore pushed ahead as 
rapidly as possible, till they passed the roads intersecting 
on either flank. It was Colonel Streight's intention to 
avoid an engagement, if possible ; as the ultimate object of 
the expedition was of such vastly greater importance, than 
a victory here could possibly be. But the rebels continued 
to press so closely, throwing heavy shot and shell into the 
Union ranks, that a battle was unavoidable. The country 
was composed of open sand ridges, thinly wooded, afford- 
ing fine defensive positions. As soon as our command had 
passed the intersection mentioned — about three miles from 
the top of the mountain, they dismounted and formed a 
line of battle on a i-idge circling to the rear. Their right 
rested on the summit of a precipitous ravine, and the left 
was protected by a marshy run that was easily held against 
the enemy. The mules were sent into a ravine to the rear, 
where they were protected from the enemy's bullets Also, 
a line of skirmishers deployed on the right and left flanks, 
encircling the rear, in order to prevent surprise from any 
detached forc^e that might approach from that direction, 
and also to prevent straggling either of animals or men. 

In the meantime, Captain Smith, who had command 
of the rear guard, — now changed to the front, held his po- 
sition until the enemy pressed him closely, when he drew 
them to our lines, concealed immediately back of the top 
of the ridge. The lines were left sufficiently open to allow 
Capt. Smith's command to pass through near the center. 
Two 12-pound mountain howitzers were stationed near the 
road, concealed. Scarcely had our men completed their 



FIGHT AT day's GAP. 127 

arrangements, when the rel)els charged Captain Smith, in 
large force, following closely; when, as soon as he passed 
throngh our lines, the whole brigade arose and delivered a 
terrific volley at short range. Our men continued to pour 
a rapid fire into the rebel ranks ; which caused them to 
give way in confusion. Their reinforcements coming up, 
they dismounted, formed, and made a persistent charge. 
Our skirmishers were soon driven in ; and about the same 
time the enemy opened with a battery of artillery. 

The rebels soon attempted to carry the Union lines ; 
but were handsomely repulsed. During their advance, the 
rebels had run their artillery to within 300 yards of our 
lines, and as soon as they began to waver, our men pre- 
pared for a charge. The 73d and 51st Indiana, on the left, 
charged first, in order to draw the attention of the battery ; 
then immediately the 3d Ohio and 80th Illinois advanced 
rapidly, hoping to capture the battery. The enemy, after 
a short but stubborn resistance, fied in confusion ; leaving 
two pieces of artillery, two caissons, about forty prisoners, 
representing seven different regiments, a large number of 
wounded, and about thirty dead u]3on the field. Among 
the former was a brother of the guerrilla leader, Forrest. 
Our loss was about thirty killed and wounded ; among the 
latter Lieut .-Col. Sheets, of the Fifty-First, who died June 
21, and Lieutenant Pavey, of the 80th Illinois. 

Our command remained on the field some time, antici- 
pating another attack ; as the enemy being strengthened 
by an additional brigade, felt confident of making an easy 
prey of the devoted little Union army. It was now about 
11 o'clock, fighting having continued since 6 o'clock in the 
morning; the enemy was in heavy force, fully three times 
our number, with twelve pieces of artillery, under the per- 
sonal command of the guerrilla chief, Forrest. They were 
making an effort to get around the Union troops, to attack 
them in the rear ; hence it was decided to hasten forward. 
Everything was shortlv in readiness ; and the Provisional 



128 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Brigade moved out, leaving a strong guard, dismounted, 
in the rear, to check any immediate advance the rebels 
might make while the column was getting in motion. The 
column had marched only about six miles, when Forrest's 
guerrillas were seen advancing on the left. xVt Crooked 
Creek, which is about ten miles south of Day's Gaj), sharp 
skirmishing began, the rebels pressing so closely, that our 
command was again compelled to prepare for battle. A 
strong position was selected, on a ridge called Hog Moun- 
tain, about one mile south of the crossing of the creek. 
The entire force soon became engaged. It was about one 
hour before dark. The rebels tried first to carry the right 
of our column ; then they charged the left ; but -with the 
aid of the two pieces of artillery captured in the morning, 
and the two howitzers, all of which were handled with fine 
effect by Major Vananda, of the 3d Ohio, the enemy was 
handsomely repulsed . 

The fighting continued until 10 p. m., when the rebels 
were driven from our front ; leaving a large number on the 
field, of killed and wounded. Colonel Streight ordered the 
brigade to at once resume the march ; and the movement 
was made as quickly as possible. By this time the ammu- 
nition captured with the two guns, was exhausted; and 
being very short of horses, our men spiked the guns and 
destroyed the carriages. The 73d Indiana, Colonel Hath- 
away, was detailed to act as rear guard ; and the command 
had gotten fairly under way, when information came that 
the rebels were again advancing. 

The best provision was made for those our command 
was compelled to leave here in a field hospital, in charge of 
Ast. Surg. AVm. Spencer, of the 73d Indiana, who was fur- 
nished with such comforts as the equipment aff'orded ; but 
no sooner did the vandals come up to our hospital, than 
they robbed both officers and men of their blankets, coats, 
hats, boots, shoes, rations and money ; and subjected them 
to the most brutal and humiliating indignities. Not only 



REBEL VANDALISM. 129 

was the bread, meat ,^ sugar and cotfee taken, but even the 
medical stores and instruments were carried off; leaving 
our poor wounded ])oys in a half naked and starving con- 
dition. Even combs, pocket-knives and other articles of 
use were forced from the helpless sufferers by those gallant 
and chivalrous representatives of that most phenomenal 
"uprising of the people," whose souls had been fed on the 
fallacious conceit that one of their half-caste soldiers was 
equal to five Northern pure-blooded freemen. They were, 
in villainy. In consequence of such brutality, many laid 
there and suffered horrible agony from undressed wounds 
and starvation , until death put an end to their misery ; 
who, by a little kind treatment, might have recovered in a 
short time. The loyal citizens would have gladly afforded 
all the comfort and relief in their power ; but the brutal 
rebel guard would not allow tlie poor sufferers to receive a 
cup of milk even, nor a piece of bread, from that source. 
The ingenious tact of woman occasionally was too much 
for the vigilance of the rebel sentinel ; and some of our 
boys were the grateful recipients of some kind favor, or of 
some article of food smuggled to them. The lojnl citizens 
were also subjected to gross indignity and inhuman treat- 
ment. Mrs. Penn, a widow residing in that vicinity, wlio 
had two sons in Captain Smith's company, seemed to be a 
special object of their fiendish barbarity. She and her 
daughters were robbed of everything, even their clothing ; 
and they were driven from home, their house was sacked, 
outliouses burned, and mules turned in on growing crops. 
Proceeding from Day's Gap several miles, without fur- 
ther evidence of pursuit, about 4 o'clock in the evening 
the rear of the Provisional Brigade was again attacked ; yet 
to avoid losing time, the column was kept in motion ; skir- 
mishing, however, all the time. Captain Smith's handful 
of cavalry kept the guerrillas at bay for over two hours ; 
but they were pressing so closely, that Colonel Streight at 
length resolved to halt and give them battle. 



130 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

The moon shone very brightly ; and the country being 
an open woodland, with an occasional spot of thick under- 
growth, afforded great advantages for ambushing. In one 
of these thickets the 73d Indiana laid down, not more than 
twenty paces from the road, which was in plain view. The 
rebels came on. The head of their column passed without 
discovering the position of our men. At that moment the 
entire regiment opened a most destructive fire, causing a 
comiDlete stampede of the guerrilla horde. They rallied, 
however, and soon a bloody strife raged with all the fury 
of desperate and determined foes.. Charge after charge was 
made by the enemy, and was as often splendidly repulsed 
by our brave boys, who drove them back with most terrible 
destruction. Tlie clash was terrific ; the flashes from rifles 
and artillery lighting up the hillsides, rendering the scene 
of carnage one of grandest sublimity. It was now about 
10 o'clock ; and the hearts of our comrades were cheered 
by seeing the enemy waver and fall back ; unable to con- 
tend longer against the terrible fire our men were pouring 
into their ranks. Our command was not again disturbed 
until it had gone several miles, when the rebels again came 
uiDOii the rear guard, attacking it vigorously. Again they 
were ambuscaded ; which caused them to give up the chase 
for the night. 

So far, the Provisional Brigade had been victorious; 
though they had lost some brave and valuable men. The 
enemy had engaged his entire force ; yet by bravery and 
skill, our forces had repulsed them at every point. Our 
artillery consisted of only two small howitzers ; the pieces 
taken from Forrest's men the morning before, having been 
spiked and cut down. 

The country from Day's Gap to Blountsville, about 40 
miles, being mostly uninhabited, there was nothing upon 
Avhich to subsist man nor beast. Colonel Streight hoped, 
by pushing ahead, to reach a place where they could feed 
before the enemy came up, and by holding him back where 



AT BLOUNTSVILLE AND GADSDEN. lol 

there was lio feed, compel him to lay over a day at least to 
recuperate. The rel^els had been on a forced march from 
Town Creek, Ala., a day and two nights previous to their 
attacking our men. 

Doctors Peck and King were active in collecting and 
caring for the wounded. Before this was accomplished, 
however, the command was in motion. In fact, a rebel 
regiment had already formed and started in pursuit ; and 
our surgeons l:^ad to pass along the entire length of that 
guerrilla regiment. After our doctors had passed the head 
of the rebel column, it dawned on the johnnies that they 
were Yanks ; and instantly half a dozen started in pursuit 
of them, yelling at the top of their voices. Dr. Peck got 
away; but they soon overtook King, whom they made a 
prisoner. 

The march was continued ; and about 1(1 o'clock in tlic 
morning Blountsville was reached. Many of the mules 
had given out, leaving their riders on foot ; yet there was 
very little straggling behind the rear guard. 

At Blountsville our command found sufficient corn to 
feed the tired and hungry animals. Ammunition and r;i- 
tions were hastily distributed to the men, the remaining 
ammunition put on pack mules, and the wagons })urned ; 
as it was now very plain to all, that it would be impossible 
to take them further. After resting here about two hours, 
the march was resumed, in the direction of Gadsden. The 
column had not gotten fairly under motion again, before 
our pickets were driven in, and a sharp skirmish ensued, 
between Forrest's advance and our rear guard under Capt. 
Smith, in the town of Blountsville. The enemy followed 
closely for several miles, continually skirmishing witli our 
rear guard ; but were very badly liandled by small j^ai'ties 
of our men, stopping in the thick bushes at the side of the 
road, and firing at them at short range. When our men 
reached the east fork of Black Warrior River, the ford was 
very deep ; and the enemy pressed them so closely, that 



132 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

they were eonipelled to halt and stand a fight, before they 
could cross. After some maneuvering, a heavy skirmish 
line was advanced, who drove the enemy quite out of sight 
of our main line ; when the troops, except the skirmishers, 
crossed the river as rapidly as possible. The skirmishers 
were then quickly withdrawn under cover of the howitzers, 
and a heavy line of skirmishers thrown out on the opposite 
bank for that purpose. It was about 5 p. m. when the last 
of the command crossed the stream ; and they pushed on 
toward Gadsden, without further interruption, except by 
small parties, wdio were continually harassing the rear of 
the column, until about 9 o'clock next morning, May 2, at 
which hour the rear guard was furiously attacked at the 
crossing of Black Creek, near Gadsden. After a short but 
sharp fight, the rebels were repulsed. The bridge was then, 
burned ; and it was thought this would delay Forrest long 
enough to enable the Provisional Brigade to reach Rome, 
before the guerrillas could again overtake them ; as the 
stream was very deep and unfordable at that point. But 
among a lot of prisoners captured by our men that morn- 
ing, was one named Sansom, a low-browed brute ; who, in 
common with others, as was the custom, was immediately 
paroled ; and who, as soon as he was set at liberty, made 
his way direct to Forrest, and piloted him to a ford, where 
the whole rebel force soon crossed. Sansom, the j^erjured 
scoundrel, was with Forrest, when our command surren- 
dered ; and notwithstanding his oath of parole, was fully 
armed and equipped ; and boasted that it was a bullet from 
his gun that killed Col. Hathaway, of the 73d Indiana. 

Our scouts reported that a large column of the enemy 
was moving on the left, and parallel with the route of our 
forces, evidently with the intention of getting in front. It 
became necessary, therefore, for our command to march all 
night ; though neither men nor animals were in a condition 
to do so ; and to add still more to their embarrassment, a 
portion of the ammunition had been damaged in crossing 



BATTLE OF BLOUNT '8 FARM. 133 

Will's Creek, wliicli at that time was very deep fording. 
Our command remained at Gadsden only long enough to 
destroy a quantity of arms and commissary stores found 
there, and proceeded. Many of the animals and men were 
entirely worn out ; and unable to keep up with the column, 
gradually they fell behind the rear guard, and were taken 
prisoners . 

It now became evident to Colonel Streight, that if he 
would save his command, his only hope was in crossing at 
Rome, and destroying the bridge over the Coosa River ; as 
that would delay Forrest a day or two, and give our men a 
chance to rest and to collect horses and mules, without 
which it was impossible to proceed. 

The rebels followed closely, and kept up a continuous 
skirmish with the rear of the column, until about 4 p. m., 
at which time our command reached Blount's farm, about 
fifteen miles from Gadsden, wliere it was designed to obtain 
forage for the animals. It was impossible to continue the 
march through the night, without feeding and resting; 
although to do so, was to bring on a general engagement. 
Accordingly, the command was dismounted, and a detail 
was made to feed the horses and mules ; while the balance 
of the command formed in line of battle on a ridge south- 
west of the farm. 

Meanwhile, the rear guard, in holding the enemy in 
check, had become seriously engaged, and was driven in. 
The enemy at once attacked our main line, and tried hard 
to carry the center, but was gallantly re])ulsed by the 51st 
and 73d Indiana, assisted by Major Vananda, with the two 
howitzers. The rebels then made a determined effort to 
turn the right of our line, but were met by the brave l)oys 
of the 80th Illinois, assisted by two companies of the 3d 
Ohio. This action lasted nearly three hours; the rebels 
charging from right to left repeatedly ; but so determinedly 
did every part of our noble bi'igade maintain its position, 
that the enemv recoiled in greatest confusion ; our boys 



134 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

pouring a perfect hail-storm of lead into their retreating 
columns. Our heroes won the day, by their indomitable 
courage and desperate fighting. 

The enemy, with the exception of a few skirmishers, 
then fell back to a ridge half a mile distant, and appeared 
to mass his force, as if preparing for a more determined 
attack. It was becoming dark ; and Colonel Streight con- 
cluded to withdraw unobserved, if possible, and conceal 
the command in a thicket half a mile away ; there to lie in 
ambush, and await the enemy's advance. In the mean- 
time. Captain Milton Russell, of the Fifty-First, was sent 
forward with 200 of the best mounted men, selected from 
the whole command, and directed to proceed to Rome, and 
hold the bridge until the main force could come up. 

The engagement at Blount's Farm, which was hence- 
forward to possess special historic interest, revealed the 
alarming fact that about all of the remaining ammunition 
was worthless, on account of having been wet. Much of 
that carried by the men also, had become useless, by the 
paper wearing out and the powder sifting away. 

It was in this engagement also, that the gallant Col. 
Gilbert Hathaway, of tlie 73d Indiana, fell with a mortal 
wound, alid in a few minutes expired. The Union army 
possessed no braver nor more valuable officer than he. To 
our devoted brigade, his loss was irreparable. His men 
almost worshiped him; and when he fell, it cast a heavy 
gloom of despondency over his entire regiment, that was 
difficult to overcome. Those of them who yet remain, will 
remember how cheering and inspiring was his presence in 
their midst ; how his coolness steadied them, amid greatest 
excitement ; and his voice of encouragement, was a herald 
of victory.* His character so frank and open ; his bearing 
so modest, and so full of simplicity, conciliated and capti- 
vated all hearts, and made every one who knew him his 
devoted friend. 

Charles McWilliams and George Bilheimer, of Co. C, 



so NEAR, AND YET SO FAR. 135 

were detailed immediately after the Stone River fight, in 
the 8th Indiana Battery. When the Fifty-First started on 
the Raid, McWilliams was returned to the regiment, and 
was given a position under Major Vananda, in cliarge of 
the battery. In this battle, he had his head sliot off by a 
rebel cannon ball, while faithfully performing his duty. 

Affairs were now rapidly approaching a crisis. Every 
one felt that the next twenty-four hours would decide the 
fate of the provisional expedition. The brigade was now 
within sixty miles of Rome, where it was designed to cross 
the Coosa River ; and if they could reach there before the 
rebels could intercept them, complete success was assured. 
Once on the opposite side of the river, and the bridge de- 
stroyed, Forrest would be effectually beaten. Much was, 
therefore, hoped for from Captain Russell's demonstration. 

The Provisional Brigade had been in ambush but a 
short time, when the enemy, who by some means had been 
informed of their whereabouts, commenced a flank move- 
ment, which was discovered just in time to check. It was 
then decided to withdraw as silently as possible, and push 
on in the direction of Rome. As a large number of men 
were dismounted, their animals having given out, and the 
remainder of the stock was so jaded, tender-footed and run 
down, their progress was very slow ; yet, as everything was 
depending on their reaching Rome, before the rebels could 
throw a force sufficient to prevent our brigade crossing the 
bridge, every possible effort was made to urge the column 
forward. They proceeded without interruption, until they 
reached the vicinity of Center, when a scout brought the 
intelligence that a force of the enemy was in ambush but a 
short distance ahead. Immediately a line of skirmishers 
was advanced, with orders to proceed until fired upon, and 
then to open a brisk fire on the enemy, and hold their post 
till the command had time to pass. The plan worked ad- 
mirably ; for, while the skirmishers engaged the enemy, 
the main column made a detour to the right, and struck 



136 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the road three miles further on. As soon as the main force 
had passed, tlie skirmishers withdrew, and fell in the rear 
of the column. They were then hopeful that they could 
reach Rome before the enemy could again overtake them. 
Colonel Streight's principal guide had thus far proved all 
right ; and he assured the commander that there were no 
difficult streams to cross, and that the road was good; the 
command therefore approached the Chattooga River at the 
ferry, without any information as to the real condition of 
things. Captain Russell had managed to ferry the last of 
his command across about an hour before ; but the rebels 
had seized and taken the boat away before the main force 
could reach there. 

It was then ascertained that there was a bridge, seven 
or eight miles up the river, near Gaylesville ; and securing 
new guides, the command pushed on as rapidly as possible 
in order to reach the bridge, before the enemy should take 
possession of it. In doing this, our men had to pass over 
an old coal chopping for several miles, where the trees had 
been cut and hauled off for charcoal ; leaving innumerable 
wagon roads in every direction. The men were so nearly 
worn out and exhausted, that many were asleep; and in 
spite of all that could be done to prevent it, the command 
got separated, and scattered in diiferent directions. It was 
nearly daylight, when the last of the command had crossed 
the river. As soon as the brigade had crossed, the bridge 
was burned, and the iron works at Gaylesville, where the 
rebels were manufacturing munitions of war, was also de- 
stroyed. The illumination was magnificent. Time now 
was precious ; and the brigade hastened toward Rome. It 
was evident, however, that they could never reach there, 
without halting to rest and feed the animals. Large num- 
bers of the mules were continually giving out ; in fact , it is 
probable that not a score remained, of the mules that were 
drawn at Nashville ; while nearly all of those collected in 
the country, were barefooted, and many of them had such 



IN THE TOILS. 137 

sore backs and tender feet, that it was impossible to ride 
them. In order, though, to get as near as possible to the 
force that had been sent ahead, they struggled on until 9 
A. M., when they halted and fed the animals. The men, 
being unaccustomed to riding, had become so completely 
fagged out, and had lost so much sleep, that it was almost 
impossible to keep them awake long enough to feed. 

In the meantime the vanguard, under Capt. Russell, 
arrived in the vicinity of Rome, about 8 o'clock the next 
morning after the battle of Blount's Farm ; having ridden 
their badly jaded horses all night. By this time the town 
was full of armed men. Forrest had dispatched a citizen 
of Gadsden to inform them of the approach of our men ; 
and a large number of troops had been hurried there from 
Atlanta, Kingston and Dalton ; besides, the citizens were 
put under arms, and several pieces of artillery had been 
placed in position. The floor of the bridge was torn up, 
and piled with straw saturated with turpentine, ready to 
ignite at a signal. 

The Provisional Brigade had halted but a short time, 
when word came that a heavy force of rebels was moving 
on their left, on a parallel route ; and were then nearer to 
Rome than our men were. About the same time our pick- 
ets were driven in. The command was immediately called 
into line , and a strong effort was made to rally the men for 
action; but nature was exhausted, and a large portion of 
them actually went to sleep while in line of battle, under 
a severe skirmish fire. After some maneuvering, Forrest 
sent in a flag of truce, with a demand for the surrender of 
our troops. The regimental commanders had expressed a 
conviction already, that unless our force could reach Rome 
and cross the river, before the enemy came up with them 
again, they would be compelled to surrender. A council of 
war was called, and the condition fully canvassed. It was 
learned meanwhile, that Captain Russell had l^een unable 
to take the bridge at Rome. The ammunition was i-uined. 



138 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

liorses and mules exhausted, men overcome with fatigue 
and loss of sleep ; and, confronted with at least three times 
their numbers, in the heart of the enemy's country, the 
situation seemed so utterly hopeless, that it was decided to 
surrender on the following terms : 
' 1. Each regiment to be permitted to retain its colors. 

2. The officers to retain their side-arms. 

3. Both officers and men to retain their haversacks, 
knapsacks and blankets ; and all private property to be re- 
spected, and retained by the owner. 

These-terms were fairly and fully agreed to by Forrest ; 
and our brigade stacked arms, and were prisoners of war. 
The-surrender occurred at noon, Sunday, May 3, 1863. 

OPERATIONS ELSEWHERE. ^ 

At the same time operations were going on elsewhere, 
whicli indicated the unusual importance that was attached 
to this expedition ; yet how little Avas really known of its 
wonderful character and experiences. 

Dodge to Oylcsbj/ : 

" May y, 1863. 
Finding it impossible to obtain stock to mount 
Col. iStreifrht's command, I took horses and mules from .uy teams and 
mounted infantry, and furnished him some 600 head, mounting all but 
200 of his men. I also turned over all my hard bread, some 10,000 ra- 
tions, and lie left me at midnight on the 26th ult., with the intention of 
going through Russellville, Moulton and Blountsville, to Gadsden, then 
divide, one force to strike I^ome, and the other Etowah Bridge. 
That night I communicated with Col. 8treight, and ascertained that he 
was all right. 

Col. Htreiglit reached Moulton Tuesday niglit, and commenced cross- 
ing the mountains Wednesday, having got nearly two days start of them. 
They supposed he was making for Decatur, and only discovered Wednes- 
day that he was crossing the mountains toward Georgia. I have 
no doubt he would have succeeded, had he been properly equipped, and 
joined me at the time agreed upon. The great delay in an enemy's 
country necessary to fit him out, gave them time to throw a large force 
in our front. Although Col. Streight had two days start, they can harass 
him. If he could have started from Bear Creek the day I arrived 
there, my movements would have been so quick and strong, that the en- 



OPERATIONS ELSEWHERE. 139 

emy could not have got tlieir forces together. Tlie animals furnished 
him were very poor at the start. Four hundred of them were used up 
before leaving me, and those furnished him by me, were about all the 
.serviceable stock he had, though I hear he got 200 good mules the day he 
left me, in ^Nloulton Valley." 

Oyh'.shy to HiirJhnrt : 

"Jackson, Tfnx., Mayo, 1863. 
■•■ Col. 8treight left Tuscumbia Sunday night, 26th ; 

moved to Mt. Hope on Monday, and to Moulton on Tuesday. He was 
supplied with very poor animals; 400 of them broke down between Pal- 
myra, on the Cumberland River, and Tuscumbia. With those Dodge 
turned over to him, he had 1,600 on leaving Moulton, Tuesday night, 
April 28. At that time no enemy was after him, as Dodge had engaged 
them up to that time. Roddy and Forrest then heard of 8treight's move- 
ment, and supposing it a flaidv attack on Decatur, instantly fell bcick to 
that place. Streight thus had two days start, but his men were so badly 
mounted, he would have to lose some time to pick up 200 animals at 
Moulton. From there he proposed to go by the way of Blountsville, and 
strike the Coosa River. Dodge supplied him with rations to last him to 
Coosa Valley, where it is supposed he can help himself.'' 

llnrlburt to Rosecrans : 

" Memphis, May 5, 1863—1 p. m. 
The following is just received from Dodge : 

'The rebels came up with .Streight, between Moulton and Blounts- 
ville, eight miles south of iSomerville. Streight ambushed and whipped 
them badly. The rebels sent word from Decatur to Chattanooga that 
Streight was making for that place. Forrest and Roddy are on his track. 
I think Streight is far in advance of them. I will keep free south of Cor- 
inth, to enable Streight to get back.' " 

Bebcl A. A. G. to Pegram, Comdg . Cavalry Brigade : 

"Knoxville, May 4, 1863. 
A cavalry force of the enemy, estimated at 4,000, has moved from 
Corinth, Miss., across Northern Alabama, and on the 2d, destroyed the 
depot at Gadsden, Ala., and was threatening Rome, Ga. Gen. Forrest 
was pursuing them, and it is thought that they may endeavor to return 
through East Tennessee, to their own lines. [Rebel Gen. INIaury, 

commanding Knoxville, was warned to intercept them.] 

From Rebel Gen. Bragg' s Report: 

" TuLiiAHOMA, May 5, 1803. 

» Forrest, falling back on the 28tb, discovered a heavy force of 

cavalry under Col. Streight, marching on Moulton and Blountsville. 

Gen. Forrest pursued this force with two regiments, fighting him all day 

and night at Driver's Gap, at Sand Mountain, with a loss of o killed and 



140 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

50 wounded. Tue enemy left on the field 50 killed and 150 

wounded; burned 50 of his wagons; turned loose 250 mules and 150 ne- 
groes, and pursued his way toward Blountsville, Gadsden and Rome. Ga. 
On May 3, between Gadsden and Rome, after five days and nights of 
fighting and marching. Gen. Forrest captured Col. Streight and his 
whole command, about 1,600, with rifles, horses, &c." 

Hurlbiii'f fo Rosecrarift : 

May G, 1S63. 
Dodge reports by letter to me that Gol. Htreight left Tuscumbia on 
Sunday night, 2(5th ; If his animals hold out he 

will succeed, as the enemy cannot follow him fast, the mountains being 
between them. All things being favorable, he has done his work by this 
time. Grierson, with his regiments of cavalry, has destroyed the rail- 
road east and south of Jackson, and gone into Gideon, the enemy having 
gathered near Okolona, to intercept his return. I have sent, two days 
ago, five regiments to break them up, and draw attention from Streight." 

Behel Bragg to Cooper, A. I. G.: 

"TULLAHOMA, May 7, 1863. 
Between Rome and Gadsden, a party of 1,600 of the Federal army 
surrendered to Gen. N. B. Forrest, after several days' fighting, in one of 
which he forced them to burn their wagons, and turn loose a large num- 
ber of negroes. Shall I send them as prisoners of war to Richmond, or 
deliver them to the Governor of Alabama?" 

Bcply of Cooper : 

" RrcHMOXD, May 8, 1863. 
The slaves captured by Gen. P'orrest should be sent for safe-keeping, 
with sufficient guard, to the nearest camp of instruction." 



"Richmond, May 13, 1863. 
Send at once to this city, all captured officers and men." 

PRISONERS OF WAR. 

Let US now go back to where we left our unfortunate 
command, in the hands of heartless, jubilant victors. 

Notwithstanding Forrest's most sacred promise, made 
in the terms of surrender, no sooner were our troops turned 
over to the rebel authorities, than a system of robbing was 
instituted, which soon relieved our boys of everything Of 
any value in their j)ossession. Blankets, knapsacks, hav- 
ersacks, overcoats, monev, side-arms, colors and everything 



INCIDENTS OF THE RAID. 141 

followed each other as fast as the brutal guards came to 
them. The following is a specimen of the paroles issued 
to each prisoner : 

PRISONER'S PAROLE. 

I, of Co of the 

United States Army, captured by Brig. GeK. Forrest, sulemnly swear 
before Almighty God, the Sovereign Judge, that I will not bear arms 
against tbe Confederate States Government, nor help, aid or assist, either 
directly or indirectly, any person or persons, in making war against the 
same, until regularly exchanged as a prisoner of war, and that I will not, 
at any time, communicate to any person, information received within 
tiie Confederate lines, detrimental to the same. 

Sworn and subscribed to before meat 

(Prisoner's name.) 



A. Inspr. Genl. 

The next day the command was marched under guard 
to Rome. The citizens were delighted to see the boys, and 
thronged the streets to greet them. The jDrisoners stayed 
in the town till Tuesday morning, May 5, under orders of 
Forrest ; enduring tevery insult that such a low, ignorant, 
unprincipled, ill-born people only could invent. The vile 
creatures crowded around the cars, the women flaunting 
themselves in the most indecent manner ; and all boasting 
of the superior chivalry of the South. 

INCIDENTS OP THE RAID. 

Many humorous incidents of the raid, as well as sad 
ones, are revived. Sergeant Wm. P. McClure, of Co. H, 
drew a most obstreperous mule, that had an ugly habit of 
"tilting up behind," and by a simultaneous and dextrous 
movement to the right or left, would land his luckless rider 
on his head. Nobody therefore would risk his neck on the 
beast; so, to utilize liim, half a dozen camp-kettles were 
strapped on the saddle, and he was turned loose. He made 
the grand rounds of the camp at lightning speed; then, 
thrusting his head into a brush-heap, he laid down and 



142 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

braved in a most niournful way. The kettles were taken 
off, and two boxes of cartridges (1,000 rounds in each,) 
were substituted. With these he started off on the inarch 
all right ; but it rained that day, and the mule slipped off 
■of the road, and was precipitated to the bottom of a deep 
gulley, heels up, where he died in a short time. 

While the command camped at Buzzard Roost, Will 
Jordan and Caleb Smith, of Co. A, went across the railroad 
after night, for water. Clambering down the steep bank 
of the stream, Jordan took hold of a bush, to steady him- 
self while he filled his bucket. The bush pulling out by 
the roots, he was thrown into the stream, which was very 
deep, and he would have drowned, had not Caleb fortu- 
nately found a pole and reached down to him . 

One day "Mother" Richeson and Alex. Ward, of Co. 
G, got into an altercation, and kept it up until the other 
boys prevailed on Captain Wallick to make them step out 
in front of the company, and "have it out." On the Cap- 
tain's invitation, they both stepped promptly to the front, 
and, with their haversacks and accouterments on, went at 
it like tigers, till they had it out. From that moment no 
one ever heard a word from either of them . When they 
arrived at Columbus, after they were paroled, a number of 
the boys, including our two heroes, took a "French fur- 
lough" and started for home in advance of the rest. After 
two or three days one of them took sick, and had to be left 
with a farmer ; the rest proceeding on their way . When 
they had traveled two or three miles, discussing their sick 
comrade on the way, they concluded they had not done 
right to desert him ; but no one was willing to go back , till 
the former enemy declared he could not go home and leave 
him. So he went back; and after three weeks' nursing, 
the sick comrade was restored, and the two went to their 
Indiana home together. They were ever after close friends. 

One of the sad incidents of the fight at Day's Gap, was 
the wounding of Wm. Jelf, of Co. C. After the first fire, 



INCIDENTS OF THE RAID. 143 

the command arose to make a charge, when the rel:)els tired 
again, and lie fell. At the same moment, Lt.-Col. Sheets 
and another man fell, immediately behind him; and all 
were supposed to be mortally wounded. Calling John P. 
Smith to him, Jelf delivered to him a silver watch, with a 
small chain attached, with a request that if he got through 
safely, he would take them to his mother. As John P. an- 
ticipated search and robbery by the rebels, in case they 
were captured, he tore the chain loose, throwing it away, 
and concealed the watch on his person. Soon afterward, 
securing a pone of corn bread, about the size of his hand, 
he carefully cut out a circular piece of the top crust, then 
removed just enough of the inside to receive the watch, re- 
placed the disc of crust, and on examination, after capture, 
so innocently exposed the corn pone, as to entirely elude 
discovery ; and so he carried that watch through all the 
vicissitudes of subsequent imprisonment and exchange, to 
Jelf's home in Indiana, where he delivered it in good con- 
dition, to Jelf's mother. Charles Cox, who was among the 
last who saw Jelf, gave him a canteen of water, and left 
him with the citizens to die. Jelf recovered slowly; and 
when John P. returned to camp at Indianapolis, he was 
almost the first x^erson he met. 

''For God's sake! Will," said John P., "go to your 
mother as soon as you can. I have just been to see her, 
and I told her you was dead ! ' ' 

Jelf hastened home ; and the meeting was to his grief- 
stricken mother, as though he had been raised from the 
grave ; rejoicing her crushed heart beyond measure. 

When Captain Russell's advance guard came to the 
Chattahoochee River, his guide and Corporal Gibson, of 
Co. A, started in to ford or swim their animals across the 
stream. The guide reached the other shore all right; but 
Gibson's horse would not go forward, after his hind feet 
touched bottom. It began turning round and round ; and 
Gibson slipped off, to let it raise and get out. But l)eing 



144 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

weighted down with his accouterments, gun, overcoat and 
heavy boots, he could not swim himself, but was pulled 
under, and began a struggle for life. Captain Anderson, 
who was second in command, saw Corporal Gibson's peril, 
and springing from his horse, rushed onto the old scoav at 
the ferry, and with the aid of the 3'oung man in charge, 
pushed off toward where the unfortunate comrade had gone 
down. Placing himself at the forward part of the scow, the 
captain watched for the reappearing of the corporal ; when 
plunging his arm full length into the water, he succeeded 
in catching the drowning man by the hair, raising him out 
and taking him to shore . The boy was hastened off to the 
nearest point for brandy, while the corporal was rolled on 
the bank. He was then rubbed vigorously for an hour and 
a half, when he was again able to ride. By this time the 
detachment had all been ferried over, and they moved on. 
But for Captain Anderson's prompt action. Comrade Gib- 
son would certainly have been lost. 

STARTING FOR RICHMOND. 

All are agreed as to the barbarity of the rebel authori- 
ties, and the inhuman treatment by the citizens of Rome, 
and other places through which oar men had to pass ; the 
jeers and taunts of women, who spit on them, and offered 
such indignities as only degraded females of the viler sort 
would l)e guilty of. And Forrest's fiends felt "perfectly 
at home" tiiere. 

After paroles were presented to the men, in accordance 
with the stipulation of surrender, every one was searched 
for valuables . A number of gold and silver watches were 
taken, and a large amount of money. The commissioned 
officers were not searched so closely, but their swords were 
taken, and most of their money. 

Hospital Steward Smith was ordered to accompany 54 
sick and wounded of the brigade, in the custody of Dr. 
Curd, the Medical Director of Georgia, to Richmond ; and 



starting; Foil jji(']iM()Xi). 14.") 

Peter Pliillippe, of Co. E, was detailed to assisi liim. All 
of these were sent to Libby, and eonfiiKMl there until tlicy 
Avere exchanged. 

The command was first taken to Atlanta ; where they 
remained two days. By the time they arrived there, they 
liad been prisoners three days and nights, yet had received 
nothing to eat. On the morning of the fourth day. (|uai-ter 
rations were issued for three days ; which were instantly 
devoured. That night about dark, the prisonei-s boarded 
a train; and at daylight next morning wow at Kiioxville, 
Tenn. The trip thus far was ttnmarked by any event of 
sufficient importance to jnention. At Knoxville, the ])i'is- 
oners changed cars and guai'ds ; and a nH)st foi-tunate and 
merciful change it was. 

A detachment of the r)4th Virginia rebel i-egimeiit was 
camped near the railroad; and they kindly divided theii- 
rations with our starving ])oys. This was a most gi-acioiis 
thing for them to do; and proved that even out of Sodom 
some good might come. And while it went i'nv to inodifv 
the hardships incident to this jotirney, it also united ijic 
hearts of otherwise enemies by an inseparabk' bond. This 
band of hardy and big-hearted moitntaineers was detailed 
to conditct the prisoners from Knoxville to Libby and Pxdie 
Isle. They saw at a glance the wasted condition of oni- 
poor comrades, from fatigue and hunger and exposure and 
outrage ; and they opened their big hearts and ih(-ii' haver- 
sacks ; and for the first time in many days our boys en JovimI 
the I'are ])leasure of rest and plenty of food. This hearty 
and unexampled kindness continued till the prisoners were 
delivered to the rel)el authorities at Richmond. 

Before taking the cars, (|narter i-atioiis wei-e issued Ibi- 
two days; and our boys rcH-eived no more till they ai'rixcil 
at their destination ; five days. At ])oints along the route. 
ladies presented the boys with boucpiets ; and at l-'ai-nier.-- 
burg, Va., the guards allowed the boys to go into the negro 
quarters, and buv food ; and manv a half-starved soldier 

10 



146 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REiilMENT. 

got a nice coi'ii pone, accompanied ])v a hearty "God bless 
you, sail ! wish we-uns cud feed ye all !" 

The rare treatment by the 54th A'^ii'ginia l)oys was not 
forgotten; and when, on the final surrender of the traitor 
Lee, his misled and dishonored followers came to us up in 
East Tennessee, the o4th boys were received with genuine 
joy, by the remnants of the old Provisional Brigade, and 
supplied with the best of everything the camp affoi-ded. 

THE LOSSES COMPARED. 

It is quite impossible, with the data at hand, to report 
the exact casualties in the command ; but from the best in- 
formation obtainable, there were lo officers and about 130 
enlisted men killed and wounded. It was a matter of real 
astonishment to all, that so much fighting should occur, 
with so few casualties on our side ; but our command acted 
purely on the defensive, and took advantage of the nature 
of the country as much as possible. From actual personal 
observation made by Colonel Streight and others, when the 
enemy had been driven from the field, and from re]iorts of 
surgeons, left with the wounded, there is no doubt that our 
men killed more rebels than we lost in killed and wounded 
together. 

Previous to the surrender, our command had captured 
and paroled about 200 prisoners ; and had lost about the 
same number, in consequence of the animals giving out, 
and the men breaking down from sheer exhaustion, falling 
into the hands of the enemy by necessity. But in no casti 
were Forrest's guerrillas able to capture a single man in a 
,skii-mish or battle. 

ARRIVAL AT RICHMOND. 

Arriving at Richmond, the ofiicers were taken to the 
old pork house of Libby & Son, that was used by the rel)els 
as a military prison ; and none of them saw their men any 
more for months ; in some cases not for years. 

At Belle Isle, a few old rotten tents were given to the 



AT BELLE ISLE. 147 

boys, and quarter I'ations again issued. Tlie day's allow- 
ance was scarce enough for one meal. The lieutenant in 
command was a low, vile, di'unken wretch ; who had onlv 
abuse for his captives. 

Belle Isle was a barren, sandy tract of land, several 
acres in extent, situated in James River, opposite Rich- 
mond, Va. The prisoners had no barracks nor shelter of 
any kind, except in winter, when a few old worthless tents, 
too ragged to keep out snow or rain, were furnished. The 
prisoners made excavations in the dry sand with bones and 
sticks, or with their fingers; and into these the poor fel- 
lows would huddle for warmth. Lost to all sense of pride 
and cleanliness, energy wasted, minds almost gone, they 
would lay for days together, till the sand worked into their 
skin. They had been already robbed of theii' hats, shoes, 
coats, pants and socks ; and when they came to this lousy 
island, had but their underwear to cover their nakedness. 
This was nothing, however, to the misery occasioned by 
their want of food. This became so great as to deprive the 
men of their reason ; and many a. poor comrade shared the 
fate of Tilman McDaniel, of Co. C, who in his delirium, 
staggered over the "dead-line," and was shot down by the 
inhuman rebel guard. 

As Sergeant McClure, Co. H, was "counting off" his 
company for rations, one day, he l)ecame dizzy from weak- 
ness, and fell to the ground in a semi-conscious state. 

"What's the mattei-?'' in([uired his alarmed comrades. 

"I'm starving to deatli I" 

His cousin, Noah P. McClure, Co. K, took ti-oiii his 
waistband a $2 greenback secreted tliere, and purcliased a 
couple of small loaves of bread. In a few hours after eat- 
ing some of this, and drinking some water, he was able to 
sit up. 

Next day the num])cr of prisonei-s was increased by a 
great many from the 11th C'orps, and the misery of all was 
correspondingly augmented. Quarter rations continued, 



148 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

and the severity of tlie brutal .guards became more intoler- 
ant. But (xod was merciful to our boys; and relief came. 

RACK TO god's GOUNTRY. 

In a few days an order came for the removal of the lot 
of prisoners to wliich our l)oys belonged, to CUty Point, 35 
miles distant, for exchange. The inarch was a weary one 
to all ; but all were buoyed by anticipation of speedy deliv- 
erance. The first night they bivouacked within ten miles 
of City, Point. Next day, the remainder of the journey was 
made ; and the hearts of our delighted boys s\velled with a 
sense of gratitude and unspeakable joy, as they beheld the 
old stars and stripes floating aloft. 

As each comrade stepped on board the Federal trans- 
port, he was handed cotfee and bread and meat. Soon the 
happy soldiers were sailing down James River, and thence 
up Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis, where the vessel touched, 
and then proceeded to Baltimore ; where the boys took the 
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for Columbus, Oliio. 

There was evidently a mistake made at T)elle Isle, in 
selecting oui' boys for exchange ; and the government ship 
did not leave City Point a moment too soon. After it had 
gone ten miles, a small steam-tug came splashing along- 
side, and signaled the vessel to stop. A rebel officer, with 
a very pompous air, sprang on board, and presented a dis- 
patch from .left' Davis to the master of the ship, ordering 
the return of our rntire command to Belle Isle. To this 
tlie captain replied : 

''These men are in my charge now; and I am not 
subject to Jeff Davis' orders !" 

The pompous rel)el sprang l)ack to the tug ; and the 
shi]3 was soon beyond recapture. 

At Camp Chase, Columbus, O., the boys (h-ew clothing, 
and fixed themselves up to go home. Some of the Fifty- 
First boys were too impatient to wait for furloughs, and 
started in advance. Tliev had one or two davs' visit, and 



Till-: KM) (IK TIN': i;.\!i). 14^) 

returned to iiuliaiui})olis before the regiineiit arrived tliere. 
The coninuind finally separated at Camp Cliase, and were 
furlouii'hed from their State cai:)itals . 

At tlie expiration of their furlouglis, the Fifty-First 
boys returned to Indianapolis, wliere they were employed 
for some time in guarding rebel prisoners at C-amp Morton, 
the present site of the State Fair Ground. 

It is quite impossible to give any furtlier account tlian 
luxs already been given, of those who were wounded on tlie 
Raid. Most of tliose who survived, doubtless made their 
way back to Tuscuml)ia, and remained witli Dodge's forces 
until otherwise disposed of. 

Jhxhjc to liosecrans : 

"CoKlXTU, May 17, I860. 
Surgeon Abbott, of tlie SOtb Til. Inf., has arrived here with some of 
tlie wounded from Tiiscuml>ia. Tlie wounded 1 left there were badly 
treated, and one ^^'m. Coojier, of Roddy's command, shot a prisoner by 
the name of John Chambers, who died of his wound. He was a memboi- 
of the Alabama cavalry, and had just been discharged. It was a cold 
blooded murder. 



150 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



IN LIBBY PRISON. 

• The officers of our command were, as has been said, 
placed in Libby Prison, a military bastile constructed from 
an old pork house owned by a man named Libby, and his 
son. It was situated Init a few yards from the Lynchburg 
canal, was three stories high, 165 feet front, and 105 feet 
deep. The ground floor was separated into several apart- 
ments, one being the prisoners' hospital, and the others 
used by the commissary department and the officers of the 
prison. The upper stories were each divided into three 
]-ooms, 105 by 55 feet. At each extremity of these rooms 
were five windows, heavily barred. In the cramped limits 
of these six rooms 1,100 LTnion prisoners were confined for 
many months ; being compelled to cook, eat, wash, l)athe 
and sleep in this narrow space. 

Ten thousand stories might be told, of the varied ex- 
periences of these men, who had yielded up all that life 
and home and earth offered to them of happiness ; stories 
that would chill one's blood with horror, and again would 
cause it to boil with indignation, at the inhuman conduct of 
the rebel authorities, whose fiendish accomplishments even 
eclipsed the cruel barbarity of the carboneri of Italy. 

As the 4th of July approached, these prisonei-s began 
preparation for a celebration. How to obtain a flag for the 
occasion, was the question of greatest moment ; for a real 
Fourth of July celebration , without the stars and stripes, 
would he like the play of ''Hamlet" with Hamlet left out. 
Finallv, a Connecticut officer, observing tliat some of his 



SAWYER AND FLINN. 151 

comrades wore red lianiiel, and otliers. wliite cottou, sug- 
gested that each contribute a strip from his shirt, while a 
navy ensign should furnish the blue field from his garment. 
It was adopted with great applause. Soon a respectable 
standard was constructed, and on the national annivei-sary 
it was swung from a beam in the upper west room. (-ol. 
Streight was selected to deliver the address ; and he took 
the stand beneath the flag, and began his speech, when a 
prison official made his appearance. Catching sight of the 
stars and stripes, he stopped the proceeding, and ordered 
that "hateful rag" taken down ; informing them also that 
Foui'th of July celebrations were not tolerated in that part 
of country. No one obeying his order, he was compelled 
to'mount and pull down the flag himself. Tom Turner, 
the superintendent, regarded it as (juite a trophy, and was 
very curious to know how it was brought there. He said 
lie was going to present it to one of his lady friends, and 
wanted its full history. 

SAW^YER AND FLINN. 

Early in June, two men, claiming to be Union ofticers,' 
and wearing the uniform of a colonel and major, presented 
themselves to Col. Baird, commanding the post of Frank- 
lin, Tenn., and stated that they were Colonel Anton and 
Major Dunlap, and that they were authorized, by an order 
from Adjt.-(len. Townsend, at Washington, and anothei- 
from Gen. Rosecrans, to inspect outposts. Th.eir conduct 
excited suspicion, and it was soon concluded that they were 
spies. This supposition was proved to be correct, as upon 
inquiry at department headquarters, it was ascertained tliat 
there were no such inspectors in the national service. A 
drum-head court-martial was at once ordered by (len. Rose- 
crans, and enough evidence was adduced to convict them. 
Their object was to gain such knowledge of the post as to 
enable Forrest to dash in and capture it. Learning that a 
court-martial was ordered, thev weakened, and confessed 



152 FI['TY-K1KST INDIANA REGIMP:NT. 

tliat they were Col. Lawrence A. Williams and Lientenant 

Dunla]), of the rebel army. The former had been in the 

ai'iny of the United States. They claimed they were not 

spies, l)nt the proof was positive, and the prisoners were 

hung .June 9th, in accordance with the following order : 

f "HiM^Ks. Deft, of the Cumberland, 
\ Murfreesboro, June 9—4:40 a. m. 
Colonel J. P. Baird, Franklin : 

Tlie general commanding (liroot.s that tlie two s^pies, 
if found guilty, be iuing iit once, thus placing bej'ond the possibility of 
Forrest's profiting by the information they have gained." 

Fkank S. Bond, Major and Aid-de-Camp. 



" Franklin, June !»—](• : ;]0 a. m. 
To General Garfield, Cliief of Staff: 

The men have been tried, found guilty, and executed 
in compliance with your order. I am, ever yours, 

J. P. Baird, 
Colonel Commanding Post. 

This summary disposition of two very dangerous rebel 
accessories, fired the hearts of the leaders at Richmond, 
and determined them on revenge. And their method was 
retaliation of the most unreasonable and cowardly kind. 

Two days after the national celebration in "Libby," 
that was so suddenly and ungraciously nipped in the bud, 
.July (*), 1(S63, all of the officers of the rank of captain, 78 
in numl)er, were drawn up in line in one of the rooms, and 
an order was read from the rebel Gen. Winder to Major 
Turner, in which the latter was directed to select two cap- 
tains of the United States army, from the number he held 
in confinement, for immediate execution. Some reports 
have this order for execution of two captains in retaliation 
foi- t1ie execution of two rebel si:)ies by order of Gen. Burn- 
side, in Kentucky. It does not matter which story is true, 
in this relation. The information fairly electrified those 
whose fate was concerned. When they hrst got into line, 
tliey stepped out gaily, with expectation of exchange ; but 
their spirits fell, and a stern resignation took the place of 



FLIXN AND SAWYKR. \~)'l 

hilarity, and a- l)raYe rt^solution to acce])t wliatever mioht 
befall them in the glorious cause they had ('s))oused, lit up 
every countenance. 

On a small table in the center of the senii-circle, was 
placed a box containing the names, written upon separate 
slips. At one side stood the brutal Turner, at the other, 
the white-haired chajilain of the 9th Maryland, who had 
been designated by the prisoners to draw two slips from the 
box ; which should determine who were doomed. 

Solemnly the chai:)lain first offered ])rayer. Then, as 
each stood breathless, one w^as drawn, each feeling that his 
life depended on what was written on it. It read : 
"Henry W. Sawyer, 1st New Jersey Cavalry." 
All eyes turned toward him, and a, slight commotion 
ensued, but not a sound was heard. Again the old chap- 
lain thi'ust his hand into the box. All was silent as death. 
Then again he read : 

"Captain John Flinn, 51st Indiana Infantry." 
The ceremony ended, the doomed men were conducted 
to Windei''s headquarters for an interview with him. He 
shamefully cursed and abused them, and notified them that 
they would be executed within ten days ; after which he 
ordered them placed in the dungeon, to be kept there until 
the day of their execution. It did not take long to com- 
municate this matter to President Lincoln. Immediately, 
Brig. Gen. W. F. Lee, a nephew of the rebel leader, R. E. 
Lee, and Capt. Winder, a son of the rebel commandant at 
Richmond, both prisoners of war, were placed in close con- 
finement, as hostages for Flinn and Sawyer, and the rebel 
authorities were notified that the moment our officers were 
executed, Lee and Winder would meet a simihir fate. This 
prompt action had the desired effect. The execution was 
indefinitely deferred, though Flinn and Sawyer were ke]-)t 
in the dungeon a long time. It is said that so great was 
the shock to Captain Flinn 's entire^ nature, that his hair 
turned white almt^st in one (hiv. 



154 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RE(tIMP:NT. 

OTHER SUFFERERS. 

The experience of Capt. E. M. Driscoll, 3d Ohio, and 
Lieut. C. W. Pavey, SOtli Illinois, was even worse than that 
of Flinn and Sawyer. They were selected in retaliation for 
the death of two rebel recruiting officers, who w^ere execu- 
ted for violation of a standing order of General Burnside, 
while in command of the Department of Ohio. They were 
confined in the dark, damp, filthy dungeon, 147 days, in 
torture and agony of botli mind and body. Nearly every 
day they were visited by a brute named Dick Turner, a 
sort of commissary officer in the prison, wdio with curses 
and abusive epithets would taunt and insult them. Their 
rations were half a pound of coarse corn bread and James 
River water. They were not allowed to communicate with 
any one ; and no one can realize the intensity of their suf- 
fering. They survived it, however, and lived to return to 
their homes ; though with wasted l)odies and health gone 
forever . 

Lieut. E.N. Reed, 3d Ohio, was severely wounded in 
the hip, during the Raid, and fell into the hands of For- 
rest's guerrillas, who sufiered him to lay several days with 
no medical attention whatever. In this pitiable condition, 
he was thrown into a wagon, and hauled many miles, over 
a rough, mountainous country, to the railroad at Huiits- 
ville, Ala., where with other prisoners, he was packed into 
a dilapidated old stock car, and taken to Richmond, where 
for many months he endured untold suffering ; when, for a 
mere imaginary breach of prison rules, he was thrust into 
the dungeon, with no bed but the bare floor, and without a 
morsel to eat, he was kept for 48 hours. At the same time 
his wound was running so as to require frequent wasliing 
and dressing. Surviving his wound and the terrible treat- 
ment, he was sent to (Charleston, S. C, and thence started 
for Colum])ia ; ])ut before boarding the train, he escaped 
from the guard, and found refuge in an old house in the 
suburbs. Wliile concealed there, awaiting a chance to get 



STARVIN(J IN LIBBY PRIS(3N. 155 

tlu'ough to the Union lines, lie took yellow fever, and soon 
after, with no friend to minister to his dyinu" wants, his 
iireat spirit was added to the long line of "unknown." 

REDUCING THE RATIONS. 

For a few weeks, the inmates of "Libby" continued to 
receive the rations of bread, beef and rice established in 
tliat miserable institution, in as fair quantity and quality 
as our officers, from recent experience, expected. Colonel 
Streight wrote at this time as follows : 

" Richmond, Va., July 12, inm. 
You will see by this I am still a prisoner. I have no idea when I 
will be exchanged, consequently am making the best I can out of my 
present misfortunes. My health is good ; so is that of the prisoners gen- 
erally. I have received no letter from you since I left Murfreesboro." 

But with the increase in numbers, the rations ])egan 

to decrease, both in (juantity and quality, till the amount 

was not sufficient to sustain life. Many succumbed, aiul 

were sent to the hospital. Then the colonel wrote another 

letter, and one of a very different character : 

" liiHnv Prison, Richmond, Va., 1 
August ;;], 1803. )■ 

Tloit. James A. Scddcn, Sccretarij of War: 

SiK— I take tlie liberty of addressing you on bclialf 

of myself and fellow prisoners in relation to our situation. 

AlM)ut six iunidred of us are confined here, with an average space of 
twenty-eight s(juare feet each, which includes our room for cooking, eat- 
ing, wasliing, bathing and sleeping. Our rations consist, as nearly as I 
can judge as to quantity, of about one-fourth pound of poor fresh beef, 
one-half poinid of bread, and one-half gill of rice or black i)eas, for eacli 
man per day. 

Scorbutic diseases have already appeared, proving fatal in one in- 
stance, (Major Morris,) and inii)airing seriously, if not pornianently, tlie 
health of many others. 

Our sanitary condition would have been much worse than it now is, 
liut for the large purchases of vegetables and other provisit)ns, anniunting 
to nearly one tliousand dollars per day, which we have been allowed to 
make. Rut as nearly all our money was taken from us when we entered 
the prison, the daily expenditure of this large .sum has at length Mi)oiit 
exhausted what was left us. We have also been notified that we would 
not be allowed to receive any portion of the money taken from us iicic, 
nor to receive xucli sinus as /i<tve been senf (o us froin /loiiie siii<-( our 



I.IH FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RK(iIMENT. 

imprifioiniicnf ; thouLih befort' writing for these monies, we were express- 
ly assured by your officers having us in charge, that we would be allowed 
to reeeive tiieni. 

It will be perceived from the above statement, that our immediate 
prospective condition is, to say the least, that of semi-starvation. The 
latioiis furnished by your Government, may be as good, and as much as 
it can afford under the circumstances, but in that case it does seem that 
we sliould be allowed to purchase the necessary amount to sustain us. It 
Cciimot possibly be that it is intended to reduce to a famishing condition 
six iiundred prisoners of war. Humanity cannot contemplate such a 
thing without feelings of the deepest horror. Saying nothing of our 
riglits as prisoners of war, even criminals, guilty of the blackest crimes, 
are not, among ci\ilized people, confined for any length of time on insuf- 
ficient food. 

I wish further to state to you, that previous to my surrender, I made 
a stipulation with General Forrest, to whom I surrendered, that all pri- 
vate property, including money, belonging to my officers and men, should 
be respected. This stipulation, in the handwriting of General Forrest, 
over his own signature, is now in the hands of General Winder, Having 
been taken from me here. Notwiihstanding this, my officers (ninety-five 
in number,) have been notified witli tlie balance, that their money has 
been turned over to the Confederate authorities. 

For the purpose of avoiding further loss of money, or misunderstand- 
ing, and if pos.sible to obtain relief from the unhap))y situation in which 
we are placed, you are most respectfully requested to state in your answer 
to this communication, the manner in whicli we will be allowed to obtain 
the lU'ci'ssaiy food and clothing to render us comfortaljle. 
I have the lujiior to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

A. 1). StH EIGHT, 

Colonel of Fifty-First Indiana Volunteers." 

Tliis letter liad the effect to improve things for a 'little 
while, but other cruelties were added in time. 

Writing letters home was for some months the chief 
source of comfort. But even this was denied them. The 
folk)wino; order was issued l:)y the ionorant brute in charge 
of the prison : 

"Offick C. S. Mimtakv Prison,! 
Richmond, Va. j 
Hereafter pi'isf)ncrs wont be allowed to write no letters to go to the 
.so called Ignited States of more than six lines in length and only (Jiie 
letter per week. By command of 

ThOS. p. Tl'KNER, 

Major C. S. A." 



PLANS FOR ESCAPE. 157 

Becoming desperate in consequence of these cruelties, 
and long confinement, a plan was conceived and set in op- 
eration, for the general delivery of prisoners at Richmond. 
The scheme was deep, bold and daring, and was known as 
the "Council of Five." The plan, with additional details, 
was to escape from "Libby," release about 15,000 Union 
soldiers in Richmond and on Belle Isle, seize the arsenal, 
make Jeff Davis a prisoner, cross James River, burn the 
bridges after them, and escape down the Peninsula. The 
l)lan was perfectly feasible, and would have been executed, 
l:)ut for a traitor in the prison, who communicated the plan 
to the rebels, and thus checkmated the game. 

Half a block from "Libby" was confined over 7,000 
enlisted men ; on Belle Isle about the same number. Col. 
Streight was the acknowledged leader. He originated the 
"Secret Council of Five," and was chosen commander-in- 
chief. It was a sworn secret organization, and so perfect 
was its development, that nothing short of treacheiy could 
have defeated its plan. Suddenly, one night, a battery 
and two regiments of rebel infantry were drawn u]) in front 
of the prison. The artillery was trained on the building, 
and the infantry stood in line all night. This was contin- 
ued some days. Our enlisted men were soon after sent to 
Andersonville , and iron bars were put up ar the windows 
of "Libby." Pickett's division was also ordtM'f^l to the vi- 
cinity of Richmond. 

This plan 1)eing abandoned, each officer set about to 
devise some other means of escape. A numboi' succ(MHled 
in bribing the guards, and getting away. 

ANDERSON AND SKELTON. 

Capt. M. T. Anderson tried it in a way quite original, 
and, it is a pleasure to add, eminently successful, though 
full of danger. 

The day he entered the loathsome prison , he Ijegan an 
inspection of every accessible part of the building. In one 



158 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

of the board partitions he found a knothole, througli wliich 
he saw several half-starved Union prisoners, from whom lie 
learned that they were to be exchanged. One of them also 
told him it would doubtless be a long time before another 
exchange would l:)e made ; and he added, "If there is any 
word you wish to send to your friends in the North, you do 
not care to have the prison authorities know, write it on a 
piece of paper, and if I can secrete it in any way until I 
reach the Union lines, I will send it to your friends." He 
tore the tissue leaf out of his pocket Bible, Avrote on it liis 
father's address, and a request that when he sent for provi- 
sions and clothing, to send also a good sum of greenbacks 
sewed up in the lining of the pants. Soon after that all of 
. Streight's officers were moved to the third floor, having 
access, however, to the second. After months of fruitless 
hoping and waiting, Anderson became convinced that his 
escape fi-om the upper rooms was a moral impossibility, as 
he came near losing his life several times, by being shot at 
by the guards while climbing down from an upper window. 
He must try strategy ; and he spent one entire night foi-m- 
ulating a plan. He would feign sickness, and get an order 
to go down to the hospital, which was on the gi'ound floor. 
Keeping his own counsel, he l)ecame alarmingly ill before 
the moi'ning roll was called, and by 9 o'clock, the hour for 
"sick call," he was seemingly in such a condition, that the 
surgeon sent him down stairs at once. After keeping his 
bed about four days, under treatment, he sat up an hour 
on the fifth, and on the ninth stayed u}) all day. Then he 
began to operate his plan. 

Underneath the hospital was a basement and a cook 
room. Two large doors opened from this basement to the 
sidewalk, where a sentinel was constantly on duty. An- 
other, but very small door, opened out of the cook room to 
the sidewalk directly at the southeast corner. This was 
decided on as the place of exit. A suitable companion was 
the next desirable thing ; and one was found to his liking 



CAPTAIN ANDKKSOX's KSCAl'K. 1 •"*) 

ill Lieut. J. F. Skelton, of the ITtli Iowa, who liad heen 
an inmate of tlie hospital some time, and was ([uite familiar 
with the surronndintis. 

It was a noticeabk^ fact that the guards were tlie same 
every otlier day ; the same sentinel being placed on tlie 
same beat. Skelton was well acquainted with one of these 
guards, and introduced the captain to him. Anderson lost 
no opportunity to talk with this guard, and soon brought 
him to the precise point where he wanted him. For a sum 
specified, he agreed to allow the two prisoners to pass over 
his guard line. Everything seemed favorable, for the very 
next morning a large box of provisions and clothing came 
to Anderson. A pair of pants was included; and as soon 
as practicable, he examined them. On ripping the lining, 
great was his joy to see a liberal roll of greenbacks tumble 
out; the key to liberty. The preliminaries were quickly 
arranged, and the night set for the attempt. The cook, 
who was a Union prisoner, was sworn to secrecy. To open 
the small door without exciting suspicion, was the next im- 
portant move. It was to l)e done in the forenoon, after the 
delivery of the beef, which was brought in ([uarters. It 
was the duty of the cook to cut up the beef, which made a 
great deal of noise, and was (piite favoral)le to the woi'k of 
opening the prison door; a very delicate task, with a sen- 
tinel just outside on duty. This door was fastened by foui- 
heavy oak })ars spiked across it with 40-penny nails, with 
smaller spikes around the facing but a few inches apart. 
Almost every day, the prison inspector, brutal Dick Tur- 
ner, visited that place at that hour; so that gi-cat caution 
was necessary. With a large meat cleaver, an old chisel 
and a hatchet, the large spikes were carefully drawn. th(Mi 
cut otf, leaving about an inch of nail from the head, and 
as soon as cut returned to its place. One by one the spikes 
were all drawn and doctored, and late in the afternoon the 
door was ready to swing on its hinges. Gathering some 
dried beef, cheese and crackers, the two were soon ready to 



160 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RE(ilMENT. 

step forth from the jaws of death into freedom. At about 
9 : 35 they said good-bye to one or two trusted friends, who 
were informed of their plan, and silently removed the bars 
and spikes. Opening tlie door an inch or two, the guard 
was signaletl, and at once responded. A few linrried words 
could only be whispered, for fear of detection. 

"Are you ready?" asked the guard. 

''Yes."" 

"Then give me the money." 

"Here it is," said Anderson. 

"Is it all here?" 

"Yes, every dollar." 

"Come on, then," the guard whispered. At tlie same 
instant the next sentinel called the corporal of the guard ; 
and our l)oys, whose heai'ts now throbljed with a horrible 
dread, felt that after all they had been betrayed. Every 
second seemed an hour. But their fear was relieved when 
the guard whispered, "The corporal will not l)e here long; 
then tlie coast will l>c clear." To tlie anxious comrades, 
who were both under 23 years of age, this was sweetei' than 
jnusic. Hope revived rapidly; and in a few minutes more 
they were assured l>y the sentinel that again all was ready. 
At 10 o'clock they knew the lioui' of the night would be 
called, at which moment the sentinels on the south side all 
faced westward, and those on the east side faced northward, 
as they took up the ci-y ; and it was decided to make the 
break just as the clock struck. The greatest danger was 
from a sentry guarding some. l:)Oxes on the canal bank di- 
rectly opposite the little door. But cpiicker than it can be 
told, they had jumped over the guard-line, passed within a 
few feet of a number of armed rebels, who would not have 
hesitated a second to shoot down an escaping Yankee pris- 
oner, and walked quickly down Canal street, whistling as 
they went, yet each moment expecting a rebel bullet, until 
rw^o blocks had been traversed ; then turning onto Main 
street, they elbow^ed their way among the crowds of rebel 



CAPTAIN Anderson's escape:. lc>l 

soldiers, paying no attention to any one, and animated by 
no tlionght otlier than to get as far away from the foul pen 
as possible. 

Captain Anderson had a faithful friend in George, a 
colored boy, who had gone out east of the village of Rock- 
ets, and carefully examined the ground, the result of which 
he had detailed to the captain ; so that when they neared 
the outer works, the fugitives had no difficulty in recogni- 
zing the location, and in finding a path leading off to the 
right of the road. Following this as well as they could in 
the dark , they soon came to a small stream . Turning east 
up this stream, they waded and stumbled over rocks and 
logs for liours ; and just where they passed the picket lines 
they never knew. By that time it was pouring down rain. 
They did not dare to strike a match to see the small com- 
pass Skelton wore on his watch chain. On they pressed ; 
though cold and wet, without overcoat or blanket, they did 
not com])lain, for they were now free, and traveling toward 
God's country. In consequence of their limited knowledge 
of the country and the blackness of the night, they lost tin; 
road, and Avandered about until daylight, when they found 
they were only six miles from Richmond. To attempt to 
travel by day, meant certain capture, so they hid in what 
they thought was a thick clump of underl)rus]i , but which 
proved a sparse thicket, and less than a mile from a large 
rebel camp. Rebel soldiers were constantly passing, and 
many came within fifty yards of where they lay. Closely 
they studied a little map the captain had copied from one 
loaned him by the hospital stew%ard, but they coitld not lo- 
cate their position. So, hour after liour they waited and 
watched, hoping some slave might pass that way, knowing 
that Union soldiers could always trust the black man. At 
length they were rewarded by the apji roach of a large cov- 
ered wagon, driven by a negro. When they lialted him, to 
their astonishment a white man jumped out, and incjuired, 

"What vou-uns want?" They knew no white citizen (here 
11 



162 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA JIE(JIMENT. 

was likely to be their friend, so they quickly answered that 
tliey were in search of a runaway slave ; that he had been 
tracked to Richmond, and into that neighborhood, where 
all trace was lost. They also named a good sum offered for 
his capture and delivery. This satisfied the old Virginian, 
who promised to do all he could for them ; and with their 
profuse thanks, he drove on. 

Immediately after dark they struck the Williamsburg 
pike, leading to Bottom's bridge, where they hoped to cross 
the Chickahominy. The night soon became black as ink, 
and while groping along they suddenly found themselves 
tripping over the guy-ropes of the headquarter tents of the 
rebel force guarding Bottom's bridge. This was not a very 
healthy situation, ])ut crawling on their hands and knees, 
they finally got clear of the camp, and fortunately soon got 
back on the road ; but it was pouring down rain, cold, and 
so dark, that to travel was out of the question. So, they 
went into an adjoining woods, and stood up against a tree, 
occasionally walking around it to keep warm. They deci- 
ded then to lay their course at the first streak of dawn, ])y 
map and compass, due north to the White Oak swamp. 
This they reached, and all daylong, Sunday, December lo, 
1863, tliey toiled through that dense swamp, often waist 
deep in mud and water, and having to part the underbrush 
and briars to get through at all. About sunset they sud- 
denly emerged, covered with l)lack mud, clothes in tatters, 
shoes torn from their feet, and they filled witli briars and 
snags, and bleeding, to find themselves on the Chickahom- 
iny River. It had concerned them much how they would 
cross that stream, knowing it was deep and swift. Here 
Providence seemed to favor them ; almost in front of where 
they stood was a large tree uprooted, reaching entirely to 
the eastern bank, on Avhicli they crossed with ease. Tired, 
hungry and footsore , they again camped on the cold , damp 
ground in a clump of bushes , and not daring to build a fire 
to dry their clothing, they had to keep moving to prevent 



c:ai'taix Anderson's kscapk. 163 

freezing. The night was one of stonn, wind, rain and 
sleet, and sleep was impossible. At earliest dawn of day, 
after a few moiithfuls of food, they proceeded ; but had not 
gone far when they spied a rebel scout approaching thera. 
To run was to excite suspicion ; so, they determined to de- 
fend themselves with their clubs, and die ere being taken 
back. But the scout passed by with a single glance. Then 
crossing the road, they struck for the pine woods, and for 
four hours they ran, through forest and swamp and field, 
keeping a due easterly course. About 10 a. m., on coming 
out of a ravine they discovered a colored girl sweeping up 
leaves. They questioned her as to roads and localities, but 
she could give tlieni no information . They learned with 
amazement, howevei-, that they were only a hundred yards 
from a large house, where her master lived. He had just 
left her, and was coming back soon. When they told her 
they were Yankee officers escaped from Richmond, she was 
greatly alarmed for their safety, telling them to hurry on, 
as "Massa he got bloodhounds, an' he cotch lots o' Yan- 
kees from Belle Isle. He take you back ef he see you." 
They started on briskly, and she said, "You better run ; I 
w^on't tell massa." Away they went, on double-quick, till 
many miles lay between them and Mr. Bradley. On their 
run, looking down from a ridge they saw not over a (piar- 
ter of a mile away a troop of rebel cavalry. They liad not 
been observed fortunately, and they rolled off a few miles 
more, till they were brought to a halt by a swamp over 400 
feet wide, 300 of which was quicksand or quagmire. They 
were an hour and a half crossing it ; but once over, felt safe 
from Bradley's hounds and the troopers. Late that night 
they reached Haw C'reek. At a negro cabin they asked for 
food, and were gladly supplied ; but as it was unsafe to stay 
there, they returned to the woods ; though they could not 
sleep because of pain and cold. The captain had traveled 
barefooted nearly all day, and his feet were bleeding and 
swollen. Their suffering was inex])ressible ; but deatli was 



166 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RK(;iMEXT 



COLONEL STREICHT AND CAPTAIN REED. 

Colonel Streight and Captain Reed, of the 3d Ohio, 
tried it. One day one of the guards poked a note through 
a window, telling the <'o]onel he was a fool to stay in there ; 
adding ''You may come out to my post to-morrow night, 
with a friend, and if you will give me $100 and your watch, 
I will let you escape." With the aid of a rope made of a 
blanket, at the time appointed, the two officers descended 
from a second-story window, handed the guard the money 
and watch, and passed outside. They had only gone a few 
steps, when, without challenge, they were fired upon by a 
squad of I'ebel soldiers. • It was simply a scheme to catch 
them, and they were led back and placed in a dungeon, in 
which they were kept for thirty days. It was a dismal, 
dark hole, about eight by ten feet, in the basement. Prot- 
estations, threats nor prayers had no effect. Clevises, such 
as were used to shackle negro slaves, were placed on their 
wrists, and they were allowed nothing to sit or lie upon. 
Each request to the superintendent, Turner, was answered 
by, "Oh, no ; you were not very well pleased up stairs ; I 
think this will please you first-rate." One day the notori- 
ous John Morgan visited the dungeon ; and having a sort 
of admiration for Streight, he said, "This is no place to 
keep a white man ; take them out of here." So they were 
released from that terrible place, and returned to their old 
quarters . 

Soon after Captain Reed was released from the horrid 
dungeon, he was selected and sent to Salisbury, N. C, in 
irons, and there placed in close confinement, as a hostage 
for the safety of a rebel officer in the liands of the United 
States authorities. From Salisbury he made several efforts 
to escape, and on two occasions got within a few miles of 
our troops in East Tennessee ; but was each time hunted 
down with blood-hounds, and taken back to prison. While 
beiuii; transferred to Macon, Ga., he procured a gray suit, 



i 



"council of five." the TrXNELS. 167 

and in this he slipped from the car, passed along the line 
of guards, until he selected one on wliom to practice his 
trick. He pretended to engage the guard in conversation ; 
but, supposing him, from his dress, to be a citizen of the 
town, he ordered him outside of the lines. The captain 
walked away, looking back very angrily ; and losing him- 
self in the crowd at the dejiot, he found a place of safety, 
where he remained concealed, until a dark stormy night 
enabled him to secure a small row-boat, in which he went 
down the river into Charleston harbor, and finally to Sulli- 
van's Island, where he was again under the folds of the 
old flag. Returning home, he was appointed Major of the 
174th Ohio, and was killed in battle near ^Murfreesboro, 
December 7, 1864. 

TWO TUNNELS. 

The "Council of Five" did not despaii' of (^scape on 
account of failure. A league was organized, each member 
of which was sworn to not divulge anything to even his 
most intimate friend. A few bricks were carefully i-emoved 
from the back of the fireplace, and an opening was made 
through the wall, coming out below the joists on the oppo- 
site side, into the cellar. This work was necessarily done 
all at night, and all traces were removed before morning. 
Two or three trusty men would be at work, and the rest sat 
around and sang, making so much noise tluit tlie sounds of 
the workmen could not be detected. Then a tiniiu'] was 
begun near the south wall, with the intention of ininuing 
through to the sewer under Canal street. On account of 
the water seeping in from the sewer, which threateniHl to 
flood the cellar, that tunnel was abandoned. 

Colonel Streight then planned another tunnel. The 
building was situated on a hillside, the basement being on 
a level with Canal street, and the first floor on a level with 
Carey street, on tlie other side. Across Carey street was 
Carr's warehouse, and adjoining it a stal)lo. Fnnn a win- 



1<)8 FIKTV-FIRST INDIANA RKOIMENT. 

(low the colonel got his bearings, and by a little calculation 
by triangulation, at which he had acquired a readiness in 
many years' experience "lumbering" among the forests of 
New York, he got the distance to the stable, into which the 
tunnel was designed to lead . A stone was removed from 
the foundation in day time, after Avhich the work was pros- 
ecuted by night. In digging, it was necessary to dispose 
of the dirt. This was carefully distributed in the cellar, 
and covered over with straw, a large quantity of which was 
stored there for beds . The men in the secret dug by regu- 
lar turns. The man in the tunnel would fill a little sack, 
tlien pull a cord connected with a comrade in the cellar, 
who would drag the sack out and empty it. This continued 
till the tunnel was comjileted. On returning to the room, 
the bricks would be replaced, and ashes scattered about the 
place to prevent suspicion. Toward the last it was thought 
best to keep a guard on duty, to prevent surprise. 

One day Lieutenant White, of West Virginia, was on 
guard at the tunnel, when some rebels came into the base- 
ment for supplies of some kind, having with them several 
negroes to carry packages. One of the negroes strolled off 
toward where White was ; and he crawled under the straw, 
leaving his shoes sticking out. Imagine a barefooted dar- 
key in winter, who sees a pair of shoes lying around loose, 
and one can conceive tlie eagerness with which he seized 
the lieutenant's feet. He dropped them as suddenly, how- 
ever, and jumped back with a startled expression. His 
companions inquired what was the matter. 

"I see a awful big rat back dar !" he replied. 

He had instinctively grasped the situation. He after- 
wards assured the prisoners that they need have no fear of 
him. "I's not gwine tell on you-uns." 

In some way an acquaintance had sprung up between 
the officers and Mrs. Abbie Green, a citizen of Richmond, 
and a "true blue" Union lady. Through her colored man 
corresjDondence was carried on, and she was fully apprised 



COLONEL STKEIGHt's TINNKL. 169 

of everything that transpired, and was prepai-ed to hide 
the officers wlien they should escape. This correspondence 
was carried on between Mrs. Green and Captain Win. W. 
Scearce, of the Fifty-First, whose middle name was Waller, 
and over which signature he conducted the correspondence. 

The tunnel was about sixty feet in length , the dianietei- 
being just large enough for a large sized inan to go easily 
through ; though in one place, Avhere it curved around a 
rock, it was smaller. The time consumed in digging was 
about three weeks. When it was about half completed, a 
small hole was dug up to the surface of the street, in order 
to ascertain whether the tunnel was going exactly in the 
right direction. Into this hole an old shoe was thrust, the 
toe sticking up a few inches above the street. So accu- 
rately had the diggers calculated, that the shoe was in a 
i:)erfect line to the center of the stable. It was finished on 
the night of February 8, 18(34 ; and at about 9 o'clock the 
night of the 9th, the prisoners commenced passing out. 
Colonel Streight was one of the first to go out that night. 
AVhen he came to the curve around the rock, he stuck fast, 
and had to be pulled back, take off his clothes, and draw 
them through after him with a string. Soon a knowledge 
of the hole spread among the prisoners, and each one was 
resolved to go out. Of the 700 or 800 who jam mod antl 
pushed around the entrance, only 109 succeeded in getting 
out. The discovery of the delivery was made at the daily 
morning count, which consumed nearly foui- hours. The 
guards were immediately placed under arrest, as they were 
supposed to have been bribed. A thorough inspection was* 
made, and the hole was discovered. Couriers were hurried 
in every direction, pickets doubled , and a ])osse from the 
prison galloped off after the fugitives, 5,") of wIkuu were re- 
captured and taken l)ack . 

A history of tlie adventures and sutl'eriugs of the ~)4 
who reached the Union lines, to say nothing of th(> ('\])eri- 
ences of those who were recaptured, m)r of tlie liundreds 



170 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RE<JIMKNT. 

who (lid not get even a snitt' of free air, would form a large 
and very interesting volume. It is impossible to give here 
more than a general outline of a few ; which, however, are 
fair samples of tlie rest. 

STREIGHT, S(;EAR('E, MCDONALD AND STERLINd. 

Colonel Streiglit and Capt. Will Scearce were joined 
1)}^ Major McDonald and Lieut. Sterling, of the 101st Ohio. 
Coming u]) out of the tunnel inside of the old stable back 
of Carr's warehouse, they went through an arched gate to 
Canal street, passed around the building within a few feet 
of the sentinels, and j^roceeded according to the direction 
of Mrs. Green, to the house of a negro woman, where Mrs. 
(Ireen found them, and conducted them to the house of 
Mr. Quarles, wliere they met Mrs. L. A. Rice, who gave 
u]) her rooms to them, and provided clothing and food. 
They were visited by several Union men, who furnished 
them with money, revolvers and ammunition, and recon- 
noitered the rebel lines, to ascertain the best place to pass 
out. They stayed there one week ; then, accompanied by a 
guide, and well provided, they started for the Union lines, 
dii-ecting their course a little east of north. That night 
they crossed Cliickahominy River, in full sight of the rebel 
pickets. The weather was cold, and tliey suffered greatly, 
as they dared not build fires. On the fourth day they ar- 
rived at Pamunkey River, which was flowing with ice. 
Streiglit crossed it on a fallen cedar tree, found a boat on 
the other side, and returning, rowed his companions over. 
Being pursued, they concealed themselves in a dense pine 
thicket. The next night, with their feet badly swollen and 
nearly frozen, they reached Mattaponi River, which was 
also full of heavy ice ; they found a boat, however, and got 
across with little difficulty. They built a fire to heat the 
sand, and buried their feet to keep them from freezing. 
The fifth night they traveled over a very rough country, 
tlu'ough brush and lu'iars. Toward morning they met a 



I 



ESCAPE OF COL. STREIGHT AND OTHERS. 171 

negro, who told thejii they were near Rappahannock Sta- 
tion. Next morning they were pursued by soldiers, citizens 
and hounds; and Avhen the blood-hounds overtook them, 
they fed them and urged them on. That day two of the 
party gave out, and had to be supported and almost forced 
along. They would say, "For God's sake let me lie down 
and die !" Next day it rained very hard, and they found 
refuge and shelter in a negro hut, where they were feasted 
on the best the plantation afforded. Next day they made 
a raft of rails, which a number of negroes carried a quar- 
ter of a mile, cheerfully, for that purpose. Before starting 
the darkies had gathered all the ropes and lines they could 
find, and these were used in tying the rails together. In 
this way they crossed the Rappahannock. The Potomac 
was then only fifteen miles further. Here a negro directed 
them to the house of a German who owned a boat. They 
stayed all night with him, and finally, after another hair- 
breadth escape, from rebel soldiers, Avho fired on the crew, 
succeeded in getting to Blackstone Island, about 2 o'clock 
in the morning of Feruary 28, 1864. Dr. Williams kindly 
cared for them ; and next day Commodore Parker, of the 
Potomac squadron, conveyed them to Washington. Eleven 
days and nights of perilous wandering, hungry, half naked 
and cold, in marshes and thickets, crossing ice-bound riv- 
ers, and in constant fear of capture or horril)le death, were 
at last ended in liberty and home. 

For seventeen years after Colonel 8treight's escape 
from Libby Prison, no word was heard denying his leader- 
ship in the construction of the tunnel through which 109 
officers made their exit from that foul and horrible den. 
It remained then for a few copperhead newspapers and a 
fake show to undertake to injure him by pu])lishing infa- 
mous lies, glorifying others and divesting him of the glory 
with which popular history has surrounded him. In 1880, 
Colonel Streight delivered a lecture before the Union Vete- 
ran Association, of Indianapolis, in which he described the 



172 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Haid and incarceration in Libby Prison, depicting that hell 
upon earth in its true light, and telling of the awful suffer- 
ings inflicted upon the prisoners of war, and the barbarity 
and inhumanity of the rebel authorities. A garbled report 
of this was published in a prominent paper in that city, 
with an accompanying editorial, belittling the accomplish- 
ment of the tunneling out ; saying, "a rat might have done 
as well or better;" and it even virtually, if not actually, 
ridiculed the idea that Colonel Streight had anything to do 
with originating the tunnel, and saying that he was barely 
an accidental beneficiary. In reply to this, Capt. Wm. 
•Wallick, of the Fifty-First, and Major John D. Simpson, 
of the 10th Indiana, both of whom escaped with. Colonel 
Streight, published the following in the Indianapolis iYci/j-s- .• 

THFO ESCAPE OK "THE RATS." 

To the Edifov of the Indianapolis News: 

If the Union soldiers who, after long and weary montlis of CLnfine- 
ment and misery' in Libby Prison, with incredible labor dug out to free- 
dom, are at this distant day to be classed with vermin and moles, it 
seems to me that it makes little tlifterence who projected the work or 
who participated in it. I notice with astonishment and mortification, 
from a publication in the Indianapolis Journal, that "a rat might liave 
done as well or better." I was a Libby prisoner, and I helped dig in two 
tunnels, one of which was never completed. It seemed to me then that 
we were digging for life, and we hoped we had the prayers and kind 
wishes of L^nion-loving friends at home. But if any rat might have done 
as well or better, as the Indianapolis Journal thinks, what matter who 
was the head rat? It is a prominence not to be coveted ; a leadershij) 
not to be envied. When prominent Republican editors revile and bur- 
lesque the sufferings of unfortunate Union soldiers, it matters little who 
was prominent and conspicuous in miseries, or most active and eflicient 
in escaping them. Better be an unknown and obscure Union soldier than 
a disgraced and defamed rat. I was one of the unfortunate rodents who, 
under the direction of Gen. Streight, assisted in digghig out of Libby 
Prison. I have carefully read the synopsis of his lecture to the Veteran 
Club; and I indorse its a(^curacy in all substantial particulars. There 
were two tunnels; I dug in both ; one was not completed. Some confu- 
sion has no doubt arisen from confounding the operations of the two 
tunnels. This I know: Gen. Streight was the commander-in-chief in 
Libby of the Council of Five, the friend and helper of everybody. He 
was of the Council upon whose discretion, sagacity and secrecy every- 
thing depended. We all looked up to him and loved him. So much 



COLONEL STREIGHT's TUNNEL. 173 

depended upon secrecy and stillness, our hopes for liberty and life and 
one more siglit of home and friends, that the men who worked and dug 
were as silent as rats, and as industrious. They dug and worked, or, as the 
Journal probably would have it, "gnawed" away in darkness and utter 
silence. Death was the penalty of failure, and with bated breath, they 
dug on, rarely whispering and often not knowing who were their helpers, 
caring or knowing little or nothing as to who was "head rat," satisfied 
that it was better to dig on desperately rather than "die like a rat in a 
hole." I always considered Gen. Streight the projector and superintend- 
ent of the last tunnel, through which he escaped ; and 1, with otiiers, was 
willing to work under his direction. 

One word more: Gen. Streiglit has never claimed any special merit 
in the tunnel business, wonderful achievement as it was. He always 
insisted ui)on giving to the boys full credit, and disclaiuied for himself 
anything like tlie prominence he really had. His lecture before the Vet- 
eran Association, of which a mere synopsis is printed, has been called for 
earnestly a thousand times. He has been importuned and earnestly be- 
sought to make it by the old soldiers and citizens for years. It is the 
plain unvarnished narrative of an honest, frank, noble old soldier, of 
whose achievements the tunnel Avork and subsequent escape was a very 
small part. He deserves the thanks, the gratitude and the lienors of his 
countrymen ; and the pitiful attempt to defame and defile him 
merits the scorn, denunciation and contempt of every honorable man 
believing in justice and fair play. William Wallick, 

Late Captain Co. G, oLst Ind., Peru, Tnd. 



ANOTHER RAT SQUEAKS. 

To the Editor of the Indianapolis News : 

I have read with deej) regret the shameful and uncalled for attack of 
the Indianapolis Journal upon Gen. A. D. Streight, and feeling keenly 
the injustice done him, I lose no time in adding my testimony to the 
truth of his statement made in a lecture before the ITnion Veteran Asso- 
ciation of Indianapolis. I carefully read the synopsis of that lecture, and 
know it is true. His plain and simple statement, told in the frank and 
open manner of a soldier, awakens toucliing recollections, for I was a 
fellow "rat." It happened that I was a prisoner of war from Chicamau- 
ga in 1863, arriving home on a blessed Christmas day in 1864. In Ubby 
Prison I was early a member of the Secret Council of Five, made a 
member by Gen. Streight, who was the commander-in-chief of that or- 
ganization. I was also one of the working party, "gophers" — tiiat's a 
better word than "rat"— who dug the now historic tunnel out of I^ibby. 
I was adjutant of the "Lower Chieainauga" room, which was com- 
manded by Capt. Smythe, of the 19th U. S. Itifantry, who wa.<5 
afterwards adjutant general of a picked command of the Secret Council 
of Five. * As to Gen. Streight, * he was compelled to accept 
to a great degree our leadership, for nature had evidently fitted him for 



174 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

it. He never despaired, even when itj a dark, filthy' cell, the manaoles 
of treason welded on him. Men naturally leaned upon and trusted one 
whom nature had endowed with unoonquerable will and exhaustiess re- 
sources. Kebels hated him, watched him, plotted to starve, sicken, 
murder him, simply because he, despite himself, seemed the originator 
of all plans to escape, the head of all schemes for relief, the support of 
the living and the comfort of the dying. * Gen. 8treight seemed 

absolutely essential to the success of our enterprise. 1 have always re- 
garded him as its soul. * * * * 

Very respe<!tfully, 

John D. Simpson, 

Late of 10th Iiid. Inf. 

After the war Mrs. Abbie Green went to Washington, 
where, on account of her heroic acts, a government posi- 
tion was given her. She faithfully discharged her duties 
to the last, and her good deeds will live in the hearts of 
friends, a more lasting monument than a marble shaft. 
Her funeral took place Tuesday evening, March 19, 1884, 
in Washington City, and was the occasion of many words 
of highest praise by all the journals of that city. She was 
born and educated in New Hampshire, inheriting a strong 
will and fixed purpose in all she did. Force of circum- 
stances drifted her into the South, and the war found her 
in the rebel capital. But her heart was ever true to the 
Union ; and she conceived the idea of rescuing Union sol- 
diers from Libby Prison ; which she accomplislied to the 
jeopardy of her own life. Tlie XaflonaJ Ih'pubJira)) said, in 
speaking of her death : 

" Gen. Streight and several prominent I'nion otticers who were in- 
carcerated in liibby owe their safe deliverance from that den to Mrs. A. 
H. Green. Many others, homeless and friendless, have been taken care 
of by her." 

CAPTAIN RUSSELL AND OTHERS. 

Failing to escape through the tunnel, Captain Russell 
and many others became discouraged, having given up all 
hope of exchange of prisoners. Plans for escape, in case 
of removal, were discussed, however; and it was with real 
gladness that word was received to get ready to march. At 
1 o'clock, on the morning of May 7, 1864, the rebels began 



esc'App: of cai'taix kusseli, and o'PiiKits. 175 

counting our mon out at the narrow door, like so many 
hogs, the rebel commissary pitching a pone of corn bread 
to each as lie passed out. Tliey were marched to tlie Dan- 
ville depot, and there packed into old stock cars, over sixty 
prisoners and five guards in each car. The weatlier was 
very hot, and water so scarce, that they received but two 
half pints during the entire journey of 24 hours. During 
the trip, some of the boys cut holes in the floors of the cars, 
and got away. The scoundrel in command of tlie guai"d 
was called Captain Tabb, and the prisoners united in de- 
iiouncing him as a low% cow^ardly and unfeeling dog ; a fit 
agent for the masters he served. At Danville, they were 
crowded into two frame buildings, where they had less than 
half the space allowed in "Libby.'" They remained there 
five days, when they were again jammed into cars, (U) or 70 
in each, and started for Macon, Georgia. Before leaving, 
they were furnished with a j^ound and a half of corn bread 
and one-half pound of bacon ; and that was all they got 
till they arrived at Augusta, three days after ; beside, they 
were not permitted to ])uy of the hucksters who thronged 
the train at eacli stopping. Arriving at Macon, May 1(5 — 
just one year from the time they entered "Lil)by," they 
were placed in a stockade. At once squads were organized 
to tunnel out; and several large ones almost succeeded, 
when the folly of one of our own officers exposed the plans, 
and placed a check upon their operations. In .July, they 
were removed to Charleston, S. C, wdiere tliey were ke])t 
three months, under the fire of our own guns. Dui-ing tlie 
fall, the yellow fever made its appearance among the pris- 
oners ; in consequence of which they were mostly i-emoved 
to Columbia, and placed in ;in old field, with only a single 
guard-line around them, ('aptain Milton Russell took this 
occasion to bribe a guard, with a silver ])en-holder and gold 
pen, to let him pass his "beat" one dark night. With a 
rebel "ten dollar" bill the captain purcha.sed a quart of salt 
and some matches ; he also l)aked his five days' rations of 



176 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA EEGIMENT. 

corn-meal ; and for a haversack, he tied the lower extrem- 
ity of an old shirt with a string, and the sleeves together, 
to swing over his neck. Three days after, the same rebel 
soldier guarded the captain and several others outside the 
lines, to gather wood for fuel. At the first opportunity, 
the pen-holder changed hands, and the captain made a bee 
line for a pine thicket, through which he traveled four or 
five miles, when he reached a swamp. He waded into it 
several hundred yards, and found a large pine log, lying 
out of the water. Scarcely had he crawled onto it, before 
he heard some one walking in the water ; and he thought 
of blood-hounds. Instead, however, it was Lieut. Frank 
A. Lakin, ISth Indiana, with whom he had been confined 
in various prisons, over a year. As soon as it was dark, 
they started, going through Lexington, and marching all 
night, entered another pine thicket ; stopping near a pond, 
they raked some leaves together, and slept till near sunset. 
Then, washing in the pond, and drying on the leaves, they 
ate the corn-bread, which was the first morsel either had 
tasted for 24 hours. At dark they started again, and went 
all night. Next morning they caught a lamb, and killed 
and dressed it. That evening they passed through a sweet 
potato patch, which they relieved of half a bushel, and a 
little farther on they borrowed a big wash-kettle to cook 
them in. Two more nights they traveled without anything 
to eat, and were on the road the third night, wdien they 
came to a large plantation. Approaching a negro cabin, 
they peeped through the chinks, and saw an old negress 
spinning. At their knock the wheel stopped suddenly, as 
the old woman cried out, 

"Whodat?'" 

"Friends." 

"Whah you want?" 

"We are Confederate soldiers, and nearly starved." 

"Gemmen, ye can't fool dis chile. You's Yankees; 
case I see de buttons on dat jacket." 



ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN RUSSELL AND OTHERS. 177 

The officers owned up, and soon a bountiful supply of 
corn-bread and sweet potatoes was prepared . She also set 
before them a fine fat 'possum, nicely baked, which disap- 
peared in a very short time . All the darkies came in to 
see them, bringing provisions. One volunteered to guide 
them ten miles. At the end of ten miles, he turned them 
over to another negro, who went five miles, and as it was 
near daylight, another took them half a mile to a dense 
pine thicket, where they lay concealed all day. At night 
the darkies came to them with corn-cake, fresh pork, sweet 
potatoes, cabbage and coffee ; a feast the poor tramps did 
ample justice to. Going on till they came to Broad River, 
they plunged in, and though the water came to their necks, 
they succeeded in crossing. They now felt safe, and talked 
of the haj)piness of going home. But the following night 
they were discovered by blood-hounds, and surrounded by 
25 of the rebel chivalry, armed with shot-guns, knives and 
clubs. The rebels seemed to think they had done the most 
gallant deed of the war ; and swore that they would never 
submit to Yankee rule. The prisoners were marched to 
Anderson court-house, 17 miles distant, Avhere they were 
kept five days. The negroes also were anxious to see the 
prisoners. One of them had a violin, on which he played 
some lively airs. Lieut. Lakin, being a musician, played 
"Yankee Doodle," which delighted the darkies. As they 
departed, they insisted on leaving the violin with the pris- 
oners . This aroused the curiosity of the prisoners ; and 
making examination, they found inside of the instrument, 
$39 in rebel currency. The prisoners were sent back to 
their old quarters at Columbia, which were known by the 
name of "Camp Sorghum," that was acquired on account 
of the rations issued there, consisting of two-thirds of a 
pint of coarse corn-meal, grain and cob ground together, 
unbolted, and a gill of sorghum molasses for each man. 

In a few days Russell was ready for a second escape. 

With his share of the monev taken from the old violin at 
12 



178 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Anderson, he purchased salt and matches, and bribed a 
guard. Creeping for some distance beyond the guard-line, 
before rising, he started off on a dead run to some bushes ; 
almost coming in contact with another man ; both of them 
being scared almost out of their wits. 

The other man was Frank Lakin! 

They started at once for Knoxville, but near Anderson 
they met a negro, who told them of General Sherman's 
movements, and assured them that he was "bound to take 
Augusta." The negro was to start for Augusta next morn- 
ing with a big wagon, and proposed to conceal them under 
a load of fodder, and take them there. Near Augusta, the 
fugitives left the wagon, crossed the Savannah River, and 
arrived at Millen next day ; being directed continually by 
the negroes along the road. After many mishaps, escapes 
from blood-hounds, wet to the skin, tattered and torn, sore 
and nearly exhausted, they came to a railroad, where they 
found a hand-car, on which they started at full speed for 
Savannah. After going six miles, they had to abandon it, 
as the track was torn up. They had then eaten nothing 
for four days, save two ears of corn, and they reeled like 
drunken men, and fell by the side of the road, so fatigued 
that sleep soon overcame them . About daylight they were 
aroused by the drums in Sherman's camps. They forgot 
empty stomachs, weary limbs and sore feet ; and springing 
up, they started with light hearts for the Union camp. In 
two hours they reached the picket line ; and language fails 
to describe their feelings, as they again beheld the glorious 
old stars and stripes. 

On the 12th of February, there were intimations from 
the rebel authorities at Columbia, that the Union prisoners 
would be there but a few days longer. On the 14th, about 
600 were marched to the Charlotte depot, packed in stock 
cars, and consigned to Charlotte, North Carolina. In the 
confusion attending this transaction, Lieut. A. C. Roach 
and several others of the Provisional Brigade , whose names 



COLONEL STREIGHt's ESCAPE. 179 

could not be learned, got separated from the crowd, and 
were reported "lost in transportation." They made their 
way to the Union lines ; being aided in their dangerous un- 
dertaking by the darkness of a misty, moonless night. As 
their j)i"evious experience was similar to that of Captain 
Russell, their stories would be repetitions, possibly with as 
great a variety of personal horrors and sufferings as there 
were individuals. 

The foregoing orders, reports, dispatches and commu- 
nications, with those also that follow, are all taken from the 
Official War Records and from Colonel Streight's letters to 
his wife , and are intended to verify what has been said rel- 
ative to the great Raid. 

Brig . Gen . Wistar , on Peninsula , to Secretary Stanton : 

" YoRKTOWN, Feb. 14, 1864. 
Two escaped Union officers have reached my pickets from Ricli- 
mond. Tliey report 109 more on tlie road. A general dehvery of one 
prison-house was effected by digj^ing a tunnel under the street. Gen. 
Dow could not stand tiie fatigue of tiie trip, and consequently did not 
come. My cavalry are in motion, scouring the Peninsula, to cover the 
escape of the rest. Several colonels, among them Col. Streight, are on 
the road ; but the path is hard." 

Wistar to Chief of Staff Dept. Va. and N. C: 

'' YoRKTOWN, Feb. 15, 1864. 
Col. Streight is concealed in Richmond, but at large. His friends 
desire the papers to state his successful arrival here, for obvious reasons. 
Please arrange it immediately with the Associated Press agent." 

Colonel Sir eight to Mrs. Str eight : 

" Washington, D. C, Feb. 29, 1864. 
I have succeeded in making my escape from the enemy. Am much 
tired and worn out, but my general health is good, and I will soon be all 
right. I shall re nain a short time here. I cannot describe my 

feelings of gratification at once inore being at liberty. I trust I will never 
again be a prisoner in the hands of our barbarous enemies. * I 

cannot tell you now of the many narrow chances I run of being recap- 
tured. My feet are very sore, and my legs are stiff and much swollen, 
but I will be all right shortly." 

A great many luise things were said, and many were 
the predictions made, by envious would-be leaders, about 



180 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the foolhardiness of the great Raid ; many ready to say, ''I 
told you so ; and each one of these great minds had a plan 
by which they would have "whaled the daylights" out of 
Forrest and Roddy, if they had been in command of that 
expedition ; and they would have torn a hole in the map of 
Alabama and Georgia big enough to empty the Gulf of 
Mexico into. Yet, with all deference to those able fellows, 
it is not at all likely that any one of them could have done 
better, if as well, under similar circumstances . Doubtless, 
however, there were one hundred enlisted men in the Fifty- 
First, any one of whom, had he been assigned to the same 
great duty, and been given carte blanclie in the matter, to 
exercise his own judgment in preparing for and conducting 
the expedition, and had the support and co-operation that 
was promised to Streight, would have made a magnificent 
success of it. The great pity is that ''human foresight is 
not nearly as good as its hindsight." 

One of the most remarkable papers preserved from the 
rebel archives, is the resolution adopted by the rebel Con- 
gress, that is intended to compliment the notorious military 
trickster and colossal liar, N. B. Forrest, but really magni- 
fies Colonel Streight 's expedition beyond all its friends 
ever claimed for it : 

'■'■Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America j 
Tliat the thanks of Congress are again due, and are hereby tendered, to 
Gen. N. B. Forrest, and the officers and men of his command, for meri- 
torious service in the field, and especially for the daring, skill and perse- 
verance exhibited in the pursuit and capture of the largely supeiior forces 
of the enemy near Rome, Ga., in May last. * Approved Feb. 

17, 1864." 

Forrest must have been a very insignificant officer, to 
have been honored with no greater force than he is credited 
with, or we must believe that the rebel Congress was very 
ignorant and gullible, and accepted fully the extravagant 
language of Forrest's lying report. 

The following correspondence , which is also taken from 
the Official War Records, explains itself: 



THE SEVENTY-THIRD INDIANA REGIMENT. 181 

Maj . Gen . B. F. Butler to Secretary Stantooi : 

" When Col. Streight was here I had conversation with him in 
regard to the transfer of liimself and regiment to this department. The 
long residence of himself and officers in Richmond, and their knowledge 
of the city, will render them invaluahle here at some day, which I hope 
is not far distant. May I ask that Col. Streight's regiment Ijo sent here? " 

Ca7iby, A.A.G.,toB.F. Butler : 

"Washington City, April 5, 18(54. 
Tiie Secretary of War diiects me to acknowledge the receipt of your 
communication of the 28th ult., requesting that Col. Streight and his 
regiment might be transferred to your department, and to inform you in 
reply that lie cannot consistently grant ;vour request at present." 

SEVENTY-THIRD INDIANA REGIMENT. 

[From Adjutant General Terrell's Report, Vol. 2, p. 681.] 
"On the 10th of April, 1863, the regiment was assigned to Col. A. D. 
8treight's ' Independent Provisional Brigade,' organized and mounted 
for the purjjose of penetrating the enemy's country, and cutting his com- 
munications. Embarking at Nashville on steamers, it moved down the 
Cumberland, and up the Tennessee River, disembarking at Eastport, 
Miss. The brigade was mounted by impressments from the country, and 
moved by land by Tuscumbia, Ala., in company with Gen. Dodge's 
division of the 16th Army Corps. On the 28th of April, the brigade left 
Tu.scumbia, on its perilous expedition. Gen. Dodge's division was to 
have co-operated by a movement eastward, but failed of success. On the 
morning of the 30th of April, at Day's Gap, Ala., tlie brigade, number- 
ing 1,500, was attacked by 4,000 cavalry, under Forrest and Roddy. The 
73d occupied the left flank of the line formed, and gallantly repulsed a 
fierce charge of the enemy, some of whom charged within twenty feet 
of its colors. Tiie whole brigade then charged the enemv's line, and 
drove him from the fleUl, capturing 2 fine pieces of artillery. The brig- 
ade at once puslied soutliward, to execute its mission ; but the enemy, 
having colleoted his scattered cavalry, overtook and attacked the brigade 
late in the afternoon, at Crooked Creek, Ala. A spirited engagement 
was kept up until night closed the battle, with a loss to the 73d during 
the day of 23 killed and wounded. The enemy, however, was repulsed 
with a heavy loss. 

On the 2d of May, the brigade was again attacked, at Blount's Farm, 
Ala. The 73d bore the brunt of this fight, and here tlie gallant Col. Gil- 
bert Hathaway fell mortally wounded, while at the head of and cheering 
on his men. On the 3d of May, Col. Streight being nearly out of ammu- 
nition, and exhausted by five days' incessant traveling and skirmishing, 
and surrounded by superior forces, surrendered his brigade to the enemy, 
at Cedar Bluffs, Ala., on most honorable conditions, which, after surren- 
der, were basely violated by the eneniy. The men were soon forwarded 



182 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

north and excbrtti^ed. The officers were kept in close confinement nearly 
two years, with the exception of a few who were specially exchanged or 
escaped. 

The men of the regiment were kept in parole camp for several 
months, and then sent to Tennessee." 

THE DETACHMENT "AT THE FRONT." 

Just before the Fifty-First started on the Raid, tlie 
writer of this book was detailed as assistant to Capt. John 
W. Aughe, of the 40th Indiana, A. A. I. G. on General 
Wagner's staff, and arrived at Murfreesboro on Saturday, 
April 11, 1863. He remained there till the exchanged por- 
tion of the regiment returned to the front, at Chattanooga, 
when he rejoined his company. In consequence of this, 
his experience embraces all that was common to the men of 
Wagner's brigade, which included many more of the Fifty- 
First, as will be seen further on. 

In the latter part of June, Wagner's 2d Brigade, 1st 
Division, 21st Army Corps, to which the detachments of 
the Fifty-First in the field were attached, broke camp at 
Murfreesboro, and proceeded to Chattanooga, by way of 
Manchester and Pelham, down the beautiful Sequatchie 
Valley, and over Walden's Ridge. The private notes of 
the writer detail his own personal experience in entering 
Chattanooga and establishing the first picket lines, and in 
witnessing and participating in the famous battles of Look- 
out Mountain, Chicamauga and Missionary Ridge, and are 
of little interest in this particular connection. A few of 
these, however, are deemed necessary in order to "complete 
the roundness of the organic unity" of the Fifty-First, as 
Van Home's history attributes to the Department of the 
Cumberland as the cause of the 4th Corps going to Texas. 

August 30, 1863, found Wagner's brigade on Walden's 
Ridge, a rocky range extending from the north side of the 
Tennessee, about 8 miles northwest from Chattanooga, to 
the head of Sequatchie Valley, 80 or 90 miles northeast. 
Here all the Fifty-First boys, except the writer, with Capt. 



A WAK TROPHY. MOSKS. 183 

Haley in command, started for Indianapolis, to join the 
regiment ; going with a wagon train to Stevenson, 50 miles, 
and thence by railroad. In a few days more Wagner's 
brigade advanced upon ('hattanooga, the battery shelling 
the town. Next day the town was deserted by the rebels. 
Captain Aughe, Inspector, and Hartpence, his assistant, 
rode 8 miles up the river, to a ford, where Colonel Wilder 
was crossing with his mounted infantry ; coming down on 
the other side to the city. In this way the Fifty-First was 
represented among the very first to enter that city. And 
further, the first picket line established in front of Chatta- 
nooga by the Union army, was located in person by this 
same inspector and assistant, on Wednesday afternoon, 
September 9, 1863. 

A WAR TROPHY. 

Henry Watterson, now editor of the Louisville Courier 
Journal, was at this time publishing the Chattanooga 7ve6e^, 
and had his office in a little dingy second-story room on the 
east side of Main street. He had come there from Cincin- 
nati, where he was a sort of dramatic editor on the Times. 
The TimcH was a Republican organ, and Watterson was a 
Democrat, with political aspirations ; so he packed his kit, 
and moved to Nashville, and then to Chattanooga, where 
he started a regular sensational blood-thirsty rebel sheet. 
When the Union forces entered that city, he hastily loaded 
his office in a wagoai, and went along witli the rebel army, 
printing his little paper at irregular intervals. In his hur-. 
ried departure he forgot a few unimportant articles, among 
them a composing-stick, a little steel box-like instrument 
used by printers to set type in. The writer, familiar with 
its use, captured it as a trophy of war ; and observing the 
unities, every line of this book, up to this point, has been 
set in that stick. 

MOSES. 

We had with us an old neo;ro. an ideal "l"^nele Tom." 



184 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

He cooked for one of the heaclqiiarters messes, and did odd 
chores. He was a good old man, and very religious; and 
said he had been a Baptist preacher. He could not read a 
word, but had learned a great many passages of Scripture, 
after a style, by hearing others read or quote them. Oft- 
times tlie boys would gather around him in the evening, 
and start him off on the subject of religion. He would 
take it up with great earnestness, and became eloquent as 
he warmed to it. The following is a sample. It was taken 
verbatim at the time of delivery, and read to the old man ; 
, and he declared, "dat's kerect, an' jes' as it wus delive'd 
unto me : " 

"Foil God so lub'cl de wul, dat He made de wul in six 
days, an' all things dar-in. Now God am a jes' God, an' 
He will do jestice by ebery one ob He chillun, fum de small- 
es' to de greates'. Ef day will ony come to Him wid insin- 
ceriousness ob heart. He will hoveh 'em in de holler ob His 
han' as a hen 'd hoveh her brood. Foh He so lub'd de wul, 
dat He made de wul in six days, an' all de things dar-in. 
Now, ye caint see dis as I sees hit, case ye ain't been whah 
I's been. I's been away up yandeh, on de oder side ob de 
riber Jawdan, an' I's tasted ob de hidden manual, an' I's 
had my name wrote down in de Lamb's Book ob Life. Foh 
I seed de Lo'd write it down on He ve'y knee. I went ober 
de riber, an' I crost on de benches whah was put ober by 
de angels in de wife roves. Dere I seed de Lo'd, He who 
is de ony fo'gotten Son. Now ye caint see dis, case ye is 
all sinnehs, an' is in de dawkness ob sin, an' I kin see all 
ye sins. Foh de light shines in de dawkness, an' de dawk- 
ness comperhendest de light not. An' I hab eahs to heah, 
an' to heah not. I heah not wot de debil say, but I healis 
wot de Lo'd say ; an' I heah de sweet music ob His voice, 
an' de fine singin' ob de angels in de wite roves ; an' dey 
sing dese words : 

'Now, de ve'y nex' ble.ssin dat Mary bal>, 
'Twus de iiles.siu' oh two; 



THE MORGAN RAID. 185 

To think (lal lier son Jesus 

Could read de Bible tlioo. 
He could read de Bible thoo, 

Like Amanuel an' glo-ri be, 
Fatheh, 8on-an' de Holy Gbos' 

Thoo all eternilee.' 

Now, I's not got no book lawnin', nur cain't read 'bout 
dis in de Bible ; but it's dar. Jes' look yeh Bible, an' dar 
it is — dar yo'll fin' it. An' dar He say, too, 'Behol' ! lo, 
hab I come down in dis sin-'based wul, into de vulgah ob 
dy Book, written to do dy will, 0, God!' Now, ye is all 
sin- based, an' de light is not in ye. De debil done got ye 
a'ready. Ye run afteh de lus' ob de debil, an' afteli de 
weemen, an' afteli gol' an' fine clo's. But de debil git ye, 
slio'. Foil in de great jedgment day ye will hab to gib a 
incount ob all de deeds w'at's in de body ; an' de good will 
be casted ober on de right side, an' de bad will be casted 
on de lef side. Now, I's a Babtis', an' I knows de road. 
Well, I's wande'd fum de paf, but I knows whali it is. I 
was 'ticed by de weemen, an' de lus' ob de debil, an' [ fo'- 
got to look on de Fatheh. Oh, weemen is de fruit ob all 
evil ! I knows it fum sperience. Now, right ober heah da 
wus a man whuh lub a woman, an' wanted to git married 
to her; an' dey wouldn' let him go home ; an' so he jis' 
got desput, an' went an' shot liese'f thoo wid a pistil, case 
dey-all wouldn' let 'im exert (desert) an' go home. Dat's 
on 'count ob de weemen. 'Pend on it, ye mus' let dese 
bad things 'lone, an' look on de Fatheh, an' pray to Him. 
Foil He is a jes' God, an' a good God, an' ye mus'«pray to 
Him an' His on'y fo 'gotten Son. Foh God so lub'd de wul, 
dat He made de wul in six days, an' all things dar-in." 

THE MORGAN RAID. 

When the Fifty-First and the 73d Indiana regiments 
reported at Indianapolis for duty, they were sent to Camp 
Carrington, and placed under the command of Capt. D. 

W. Hamilton, of the Ttli Indiniia, tlien in fommnnd of the 



186 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

camp, who proceeded to form the two regiments into com- 
panies, all together forming one regiment of 500 able for 
duty. The infamous "Democratic Mass Convention" was 
held there, and the guerrilla John Morgan thought it an 
auspicious time to make a raid through Indiana and Ohio, 
and our command was there in time to join in the chase 
after the chivalrous mob, and to aid in holding the copper- 
heads in check. The two arch-traitors, Tom Hendricks 
and Dan Voorhees, had matured the scheme of having a 
grand rally at the capital, on June 24, 1863, release the 
rebel prisoners at Camp Morton, seize the arsenal, arm the 
rebels, kill Governor Morton, and then march to meet John 
Morgan, who was then in Kentucky, and had started on 
his infamous raid. On the night of June 23, Capt. Hamil- 
ton was ordered to take the regiment at midnight, and 
march as quietly as possible to the arsenal grounds, located 
on Market street, just north of the old State House, which 
was surrounded by a high board fence, where the soldiers 
could not be seen by those on the streets. There they laid 
on that 24th of June, and through the cracks of the fence, 
saw that traitorous mob gather- by thousands, in the State 
House yard, and listen to the speeches of their leaders, 
display their butternut breastpins and other traitorous em- 
blems, and swagger and strut, and heard them perfecting 
their murderous plans. Our boys could only communicate 
in whispers or in pantomime. While these speeches were 
being made, two of our boys who had been at home, had 
returned, and not finding the command in camp, started 
out in search, taking their guns with them. In the rounds 
they brought up in the State House yard, with fixed bayo- 
nets. While going through the crowd, one of them saw a 
butternut breastpin on the breast of one of the traitors, and 
with one clutch snatched it off, at the same time knocking 
the miscreant down with his fist. This of course created a 
great commotion. The immense crowd of cowardly curs, 
seeing guns with bayonets, and supposing that they were 



THK MORGAN RAID. 187 

surrounded by an army, were struck with horror. The 
panic which ensued, cannot be described. They made one 
wild tumultuous rush east, falling over each other in trying 
to scale the low plank fence that enclosed the yard ; the 
pressure being so great, that the posts were broken off near 
the ground, and the fence thrown flat, from Market street 
to Washington. 

While this wild scene was being enacted, the speakers 
on the stand turned deathly pale with fear, and being near 
a window of the State House, slipped quickly through it, 
ran along the corridor north to Market street, across that 
street ; then turning east, they sneaked along the fence be- 
hind which our boys were concealed. Our boys were wild 
to get over the fence after the fleeing scoundrels, and it was 
all Capt. Hamilton could do to restrain them, running up 
and down the line with drawn sword, making all sorts of 
gestures, but not daring to speak out. So those two chief 
traitors narrowly escaped, though well deserving death. 

The butternut breastpin was given to Capt. Hamilton, 
who retained possession of it in 1894. 

The great mob of traitors hurried to their trains, but 
recovered from their scare too soon ; for, thinking that the 
danger was over, they began firing oif their pistols. This 
was the signal for what is known in history as the "Battle 
of Pogue's Run." 

In a day or two after this, Captain Hamilton received 
an order to take the regiment and proceed by railroad to 
Louisville, Ky., and report to General Boyle, as guerrilla 
John Morgan was said to be near that city with his raiders. 
When the regiment arrived there, they found the citizens 
greatly excited. General Boyle sent our command out on 
the Bardstown pike about two miles, with orders to throw 
out strong pickets, and hold the pike at all hazards. They 
held the pike, but Morgan failed to put in an appearance. 
After lying there one day, our boys were directed to cross 
the Oliio River to New Albany, and proceed to Edwards- 



188 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

ville, five miles below that city. There they were held till 
Morgan had plenty of time to cross the river. Our com- 
mand was anxious to ^^^^rsue him, and harass his flanks, 
but was not permitted. After Morgan had got under fair 
headway, our command was ordered to Jeffersonville, to 
report to General Manson. Here they were put on a trans- 
port, and steamed up the river, in company with five other 
boats loaded with Union troops. The aim was to travel up 
the river as fast as Morgan was going on land, while Gen. 
Hobson pressed him in the rear ; also to prevent him from 
recrossing the river, which he was making a great effort to 
do, since he had learned of Dan Voorhees failure to mate- 
rialize with his 100,000 "butternut" traitors, promised to 
the South. 

Right here, it may be confidently said that this raid 
made more Union men of Democrats, than anything that 
had occurred since the war began. 

Proceeding to Portsmouth, Ohio, our men were taken 
from the transports , and put on cars and run back into the 
country, to intercept Morgan, and strike him on his flank ; 
but he had passed the point where they aimed to strike, 
and Hobson 's men were just coming up. Taking the cars 
.again, they returned to Portsmouth. Next morning word 
came that Morgan had surrendered ; and thus the chase 
ended . 

Smallpox, or varioloid, having broken out among the 
Fifty-First, General Manson ordered Captain Hamilton to 
re-embark and proceed at once to Cincinnati, and report to 
General Burnside. This was done, and General Burnside 
ordered our command to go to Madison, and there go into 
quarantine. The sick were sent to a hospital a few miles 
below Madison, and the rest of the regiment returned to 
Indianapolis . 

Captain Hamilton was then directed to take command 
-at Camp Morton, and to use the Fifty-First to guard rebel 
2:)risoners in that place. In a few hours Morgan's men be- 



SIEGE OP CHATTANOOGA. 189 

gan to arrive, and were added to those already confined. 

During their stay at this place, the Fifty-First showed 
their appreciation of Captain Hamilton's interest in their 
welfare, by presenting him with a handsome sword. The 
captain had the sword in 1894, still nicely preserved, and 
he prized it very highly. The 73d boys gave him a fine 
horse and saddle, which he preserved till old age took the 
faithful animal to the pastures green prepared for all good 
horses . 

The origin of "Whar's Morgan?" was in a little inci- 
dent that occurred one night, in Southern Indiana, during 
this chase after the guerrillas. C. P. Cox and Allen God- 
frey were together, and the former having tarried too long 
at the apple-jack, about midnight he was stretched out on 
some brush, feeling like he could clean out the whole rebel 
army, and calling out, 

"Fry, Fry ! whar's Mawgan? I can whup 'im !" This 
became a by-word , and was afterward communicated to the 
entire corps. 

SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA. 

In the latter part of September, 1863, the troops at 
Chattanooga began to experience distress for food. Their 
"cracker-line" was disturbed by rebel guerrilla bands. It 
was pitiful, to see the hungry boys, whenever the wagon 
trains came in from Stephenson, with a meager supply for 
that great army, watching for every bit of cracker as big 
as their finger-nail that might be dropped in unloading, 
and holding their hats under the wagon to catch whatever 
might fall ; following forage wagons for squares with the 
hope that an ear of corn, or a few grains even, might be 
jolted out. Horses and mules were dying daily from starv- 
ation, while hundreds that survived were unfit for service. 
It is estimated that 10,000 animals died during this siege. 
A secret conference was held one night, at Gen. Wagner's 
headquarters, of the corps and division commanders, at 



190 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

which the writer was present. It was then discovered that 
in no command was there a mouthful of food, except what 
was in the men's haversacks, save that of General Wood, 
and that was only three days' rations. This condition was 
relieved at long intervals, by half or quarter rations, ac- 
cording to the success or failure of our supply trains in 
getting through. This continued till the capture of Look- 
out Mountain and the valley reopened transportation. 

BATTLE OF MISSIONARY RIDGE. 

The battle of Lookout Mountain was witnessed ])y the 
members of the Fifty-First at Chattanooga, and was a mag- 
nificent spectacle. They did not participate in it, how- 
ever, nor in the bloody struggle at Chicamauga. They did 
take part in the most important event of the campaign, the 
famous charge on Missionary Ridge, and Wood's division 
won for itself special glory on that day. On this account, 
it will not be inappropriate to insert a descrij)tion of that 
battle, as it appeared in the Nashville Union of Sunday, 
November 29, written on the 26th, the day after the fight : 

"Tlie operations of the army ill front of this place, during the last 
three days, have been not only of a brilliant, but of a decisive cliarac- 
ter. Hitherto we had strui^gles — bitter, stubborn and bloody ; but when 
the tragedy had ended, the combatants retained their organizations, and 
too frequently their positions. But not so in this instance. With the 
exception of the Mississippi campaign, this is the first time that a rebel 
army, with comparatively trifling loss to our own, has been demoralized, 
broken, crushed. 

►Sherman, having arrived at a point opposite the mouth of the Chica- 
mauga, and four miles above the town, the orders were issued, and the 
p'an of attack made known to the corps commanders, and each directed 
to execute his portion strictly in accordance with it. 

The first object was to deceive the rebels. * Sherman made 

a feint of moving up the north bank of the river, as if to attack Long- 
street, and relieve Burnside, while the Eleventh Corps was moved into 
Chattanooga. Simultaneously with these movements, and on the eve of 
the 23d, our lines, opposite the rebel right and right center, were extended 
three-quarters of a mile, and beyond the outer line of rebel rifle-pits, 
wliich were captured, with three hundred prisoners, by a brilliant and 
unexampled dash of Hazen's and Willich's brigades of Wood's division, 
of the 4th Army Corps. Our loss in this skirmish WciS slight, while the 



BATTLE OF MISSIONARY RIDGE. 191 

positions gained were of tlie liigliest importance. From tlience the foot 
of Missionary Ridge was plainly visible, and the nature of tiie ground 
readily ascertained. The enemy was completely deceived by the happy 
combination of strategy. 

From Fort Wood, on the east of Chattanooga, the movements of the 
rebels could be distinctly seen with glasses. The movements in tliis di- 
rection had been completed at dark, and the rebels lay upon their arms 
for the night, confidently expecting, if not a general engagement, at least 
a severe skirmish at dayliglit of the 24th. But they were seriously dis- 
appointed. No sooner had darkness set in, than Ewing's and Osterhaus' 
divisions of Sherman's corps, and a part of Cruft's division of the Fourth 
Corps, which had been supposed to be engaged in other duties, filed along 
the foot of Lookout Mountain, and took up a position to make an attack 
on the following morning. 

The rebels did not discover the arrival of these reinforcements until 
about midnight; and by that time it was too late to reinforce their left. 
At 7 o'clock in the morning, Geary's division cros.sed the creek, and be- 
gan the ascent of the mountain. Their progress was at first seriously 
resisted ; but an incessant shower of shot and shell from our batteries on 
the bights so gallantly won by Hooker some weeks ago, soon had the 
effect to drive them, and to enable our columns to swing around and 
sweep the whole western slope, from the ledge to the foot. 

The rebels, for at least two miles, resisted every foot of our progress, 
from behind rifle-pits, rocks and trees; but having been driven to a point 
nearly opposite the railroad bridge, when Osterhaus commenced a-^cend- 
ing the Ridge, the rebels finding them.selves utterly overpowered, fled 
precipitately and in confusion. The guns from our batteries placed upon 
them with terrifie effect; and hundreds threw down tlieir arms, and sur- 
rendered themselves prisoners. 

In the meantime Sherman had crossed the river on the night of the 
23d, near the mouth of the Chickamauga, and on the 24th he occupied 
and fortified one of the knobs at the northern terminus of Missionary 
Ridge; and Howard's 11th Corps had been moved to the left, to effect a 
junction. This was accomplished witli slight skirmishing, and compar- 
atively little loss, and our lines were rendered solid from left to right. 

During the night of the 24th, Ewing's division crossed from Lookout 
Mountain, and joined Sherman. '•'■ 

The morning of the 25tli found botii armies preparing for action. It 
was apparent that the conflict would be no longer delayed. Ere the sun 
disappeared, the great struggle — not for Chattanooga merely, but East 
Tennessee, wonid be decided. In proportion to the importance of the 
stake, would be the stubbornness of the struggle. 

At 10 o'clock in the morning, Slierman made a feint on Tunnel Hill, 
an important position from which Missionary Ridge could be raked at 
any point within cannon shot. The charge lasted an hour, in which a 
number, say 150, were killed and wounded. General Corse fell dead gal- 



192 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

lantly fighting ut the head of his eoliirnii, and Col. Looinis received a 
sliglit wound. Our forces then fell bad? to the rifle-pits. 

Believing this to be a real assault, the rebels continued to mass their 
forces in that direction; and to confirm their opinions, large bodies of 
troops were moved from the camps at Cliattanooga, through an opeiiing 
into the Tennessee Valley, in full view of Bragg's headquarters, as if in- 
tended to reinforce Hherman ; and then having reached a thick growth 
of timber, thej' were countermarched and placed in the woods, opposite 
the rebel center. 

At noon a second attack on Tunnel Hill was ordered, and Matthias' 
brigade charged up the hill. Having nearly reached the summit, they 
were met by a superior force of the enemy, and a fight of three quarters 
of an hour ensued. A flank movement on the part of the rebels, at 

length compe]le<l them to break, and a disorderly rout ensued. The reb- 
els pushed on with vigor, and captured 200 prisoners, who were afterward 
retaken 

After this movement, a thundering sound from the Parrots and Rod- 
mans in Fort Woorl, announced the commencement of the contest in the 
center. Our columns, which had hitherto been concealed behind the 
underbrush which skirts the eastern side of the Chattanooga valley, now 
pushed out, presenting a bold and solid front to the enemy. This move- 
ment was designed to break the rebel center, and the task was assigned 
to Generals Buird, Wood, Sheridan and Johnston, whose divisions were 
posted from left to right, in the order named, * 

Opposite the center were posted forty pieces of cannon, in eight com- 
manding positions, and it was made the duty of one brigade to charge 
upon and capture each battery. The interval between the timber and 
the front of the mountam was soon passed, but the ascent was a n)atter 
of great difficulty. The sides of the hill were exceedingly steep, and 
covered with loose rock, and many places witli briars and underbrush ; 
and as a consequence, one could scarcely reach the summit uninjured. 
But our brave heroes neither halted nor faltered, though exposed to the 
fire of the whole line of infantry, on the summit of the ridge, and all the 
batteries in front of them, and a raking fire from Tunnel Hill which did 
frightful execution. Steadily, however, they proceeded ; each brigade 
vieing with its rivals in theeflfort to be the first to place the old standard 
upon the spots desecrated by the rebel ensign. 

They were half way up. The deadly missiles tliickened around 
them ; but onward they went; they nearly reached the top; the artillery 
could no longer be used against them; the bayonets of the rebels were 
fixed, and a hand to hand struggle commenced. 

At length a shout was heard, and a thrill of horror ran through the 
rebel ranks; the heart of every loyal man beat high; the iWi Indiana 
regiment had planted its banner upon the summit of the ridge ! 

The strong arms of the assailants were nerved to renewed efforts; 
their bold spirits incited to greater deeds of daring. P\irther suspense 



LIEUT.-COL. ,10HN M. COMPARET'. 193 

was hut momentary; one long, loud anl hearty shout arose; and all was 
over. Missionary Ridge was ours!" 



LIEUT.-COL. COMPARET TAKES COMMAND. 

At some tiuie in November, 1863, Lieut.-Col. John M. 
Compare!', of the lotli ludiana, tlien at Chattanooga, was 
ordered to proceed to Nashville, and prepare for the field 
the Fifty-First, which had been sent there some time pre- 
vious, but was unfit to go to the front, because our officers 
were mostly in Libby Prison yet. 

The weather was cold when Lt.-Col. Comparet' started 
from Chattanooga, accompanied by Lieut. Benj. Owens, of 
Co. E, o7th Indiana. The road had been opened as far as 
Bridgeport, Tenn. There they took a car for Nashville; 
where, in company with the adjutant of the post, the new 
commander went out to see the boys. Walking leisurely 
through the camp, the officer, who was not very tall, over- 
heard one of the boys inquire, "Is that little cuss going to 
command the regiment?" He paid no attention to this, 
save to be amused ; and seeing the condition of things, he 
took immediate command, and proceeded to put the regi- 
ment in order, so as to be prepared to march at a moment's- 
notice. They were first fitted out in all things pertaining; 
to a campaign — a train of wagons and mules, ten teams,, 
and the men properly equipped. Soon a telegram came 
from Gen. Jos. Reynolds, General Thomas' chief of staff,, 
directing the new commander to proceed to Knoxville, with 
supplies for General Burnside. The order stated tlie num- 
ber of wagons, and included a squadron of cavalry ; but it 
was countermanded, and the regiment was finally ordered 
to Chattanooga, there to join a brigade to wliich it woidd 
be assigned. The command started immediately ; making 
fine marches by way of Murfreesboro, Shelby ville, Tulla- 
homa and Bridgei)ort, tlience over Walden's Ridge. Tlie 
])oys were in fine condition, and all as merry as a picnic 

party. Sometimes tlie woods and hills re-echoed with tlie 
13 



194 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Strains of ''John Brown's Body," "Rally Round the Flag," 
etc. The march was divided into rests of from ten to fif- 
teen minutes eacli hour, and li hours at noon, with good 
camps at night. 

One day one of the boys came walking into camp with 
a nice pig impaled on his bayonet. It was not long before 
a poor widow, who lived near by, made her way to regi- 
mental headquarters, and reported the case. The soldier 
was ordered to carry it back, and pack it for her. ''And," 
continued the kind-hearted little lieutenant-colonel, "if she 
hasn't any salt, get some!" The order w^as obeyed, too. 
AVhen the boys came to realize the character of their com- 
mander, they stood up to him faithfully. 

The command made an average of 20 miles per day, 
and reached Chattanooga just after the battle of Mission- 
ary Ridge ; about December 10. In a few days after, they 
were ordered to join their corps. There were a number of 
convalescents of the various regiments there, and they liad 
formed in their various l)rigades. These, with the Fifty- 
First, were all ordered to report to Col. Bernard Laiboldt, 
of the 2d Missouri, who was directed to guard a supply 
train. Colonel Laiboldt took command, and soon got his 
forces strung out on the road, and started east. The first 
halt was at Cleveland, camping for the night. About 1 
o'clock that night, Hospital Steward Smith went to Com- 
paret' and advised him that they were about to be attacked . 
He had been out visiting in the neighborhood, and got his 
information from the family of guerrilla Wheeler's quar- 
termaster, who thought J. P. was a spy for rebel Gen. Joe 
Johnson. Smith was sent to Colonel Laiboldt with the 
information ; and Col. Comparet', without waiting, got the 
regiment in line, with skirmishers out, ready to receive the 
enemy. It commenced raining about the same time, but 
the boys kept their places all night ; cooking breakfast by 
detail ; and vigilant watch was observed for the encounter. 
But the johnnies failed to appear. 



BATTLE OF CHARLESTON. 195 

Soou daylight came, and with it the order to march. 
Rain and mud ! No wonder that the old veteran now has 
rheumatism, and his life is shortened many years. Long 
exposure, sunstroke, rain, mud, cold, ice, etc., were more 
than enough to bring down those of tlie best health to the 
grave . 

BATTLE OF CHARLESTON. 

On the night of December 26, they reached Charleston, 
on the Hiawassee River, and camped along a ridge of cedar 
brake. The rain had subsided, and the next morning was 
ushered in with l)eautiful sunshine ; cheering the hearts of 
all the boys. It soon became apparent, however, that a 
fight was near at hand. Comparet', who was standing by 
Laiboldt, heard firing down the valley, and called the com- 
mander's attention to it. He then ran over the bridge, to 
where the Fifty-First was, and threw the regiment into line, 
to cover and protect the train. There were with the de- 
tachment 100 wagons , loaded with supplies ; and to secure 
them, Colonel Laiboldt ordered the teamsters to take the 
entire train down the bank into the bottom, and make their 
way out as best they could. 

The valley was a beautiful one, about 400 yards wide, 
and a mile long ; a most magnificent view of which might 
be had from where the regiment was. 

The guerrilla Wheeler, with 1,500 men was approach- 
ing, with the confident expectation of easily capturing our 
supply train. Soon the rebels came- in sight. Wheeler 
had divided his forces, throwing some on our right. Com- 
paret' immediately dispatched Co. A to that part of the 
field, so as to confront their movements ; also Co. B was 
sent to the left. Word was sent to Colonel Wilder 's camp, 
then at Calhoun. All of his command was out scouting ; 
but Col. Eli Long, in command of the 2d Brigade, 2d Cav- 
alry Division, came to their assistance with a few men. In 
addition to these, all of our own headquarters orderlies and 
clerks were put in ; and they made a handsome line across 



196 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the valley . The bugle sounded the charge ; and the result 
was great. Our brave boys routed the enemy, taking 131 
prisoners, including 5 officers, one a division inspector and 
one a surgeon. The number of killed and wounded could 
not be ascertained. Colonel Long's loss was 2 killed, 12 
wounded, and 1 missing. Our immediate command went 
through the fight without a casualty, save a few saber cuts. 

To solve a seeming difficulty, it is deemed necessary to 
state here that Charleston is situated on the south side of 
Hiawassee River, a few miles east of where that stream 
empties into the Tennessee, and at a point where the little 
river is crossed by the Knoxville Railroad. Calhoun is on 
the north side of the Hiawassee, and is the next station on 
the same railroad. The fight was at Charleston. 

Wheeler commanded in person, and anticipated a rich 
prize, with little trouble or loss. 

[Extract from Col. Eli Long's Report.] 
"On the morning of the 28th [December] a wagon train which had 
arrived at Charleston the evening before under escort * of Gen. 

Sheridan's command, and commanded by Col. Laiboldt, was attacked 
by Gen. Wheeler with about 1,500 rebel cavalry. As soon as I was made 
aware of the attack, I mounted the small portion of my command not 
on duty (less than 150 men,) and as soon as the train had crossed the 
bridge, moyed over the river. Col. Laiboldt was now sharply engaged, 
and soon had the enemy's lines wavering. I then drew sabers and 
charged, driving before me a force of some 400 or 500; pursued them to 
Chatata Creek, capturing 121 prisoners, including 5 officers, and many 
stands of arms. The enemy lost several killed and quite a number 
wounded ; among the latter 2 colonels. The main rebel column retreated 
out the Dalton road. * * 

Our command then resumed its line of march ; going 
into camp in the neighborhood of Calhoun. On the way, 
Laiboldt stated to Comparet' that he had sent Wheeler a 
message, saying : 

"This day have you been whipped by a d — Dutch- 
man. Laiboldt, Colonel commanding." 

Next day the command took up its line of march for 
the Tennessee River, and arrived at Loudon on New Year's 



THE REGIMENT GOES "VETERAN." 197 

day, with four inches of snow on the ground, and still fall- 
ing. They camped in the outskirts of tlie village, in the 
neighborhood of a church building. A detail was made of 
men and wagons, and they soon had the snow removed, 
and the boys all in fine spirits. They stayed there about 
five days ; long enough for the boys to get acquainted, and 
leave behind them regrets. The commander complimented 
the Fifty-First boys on their good behavior, and said they 
were always gentlemen, and showed a disposition to en- 
courage neighborly feeling. The}^ made themselves such a 
name, that their return was gladly hailed. 

The command crossed Tennessee River on the morning 
of January 6, 1864, and marched toward Knoxville ; where 
tlie train was turned over to Burnside's ordnance oflicer. 

The Fifty-First, now joined with Newton's brigade, 
of Sheridan's division, continued with that command to 
Dandringe, where our boys had a fight on Sunday evening, 
December 20. After the siege of Knoxville w^as raised, it 
went to Strawberry Plains, in the vicinity of the French 
Broad Kiver, where among other hardships, spoiled fiour 
was issued, wdiich had the efi'ect to make the boys deathly 
sick, and set them to vomiting in a few minutes after eat- 
ing the bread made of it. 

Lilly's ISth Indiana Battery was also in the fight at 
Dandridge, and did fine execution. 

Then orders came to retrace tlieir steps. Longstreet 
had fled the country, and having seen him ott\ our boys 
were needed elsewhere. They had a bad morning to start 
on ; during the night before it had rained, and fi'oze as it 
fell ; so that everything was covered with a coat of ice. 

THE FIFTY-FIRST VETERANIZES. 

They then reached Knoxville, on tlieir return to Lou- 
don, for winter quarters. While at Knoxville, the Fifty- 
First took a notion to re-enlist. The order from the War 
Department was out, but was not distinctly understood ; no 



198 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

one had seen it — only heard of it. Lieut .-Col. Comparet' 
sought information of General Sheridan, who commanded 
the corps, and who was camped but a short distance away ; 
but found him no better posted than himself. So it was 
concluded to wait patiently till the order came. 

Arriving in Loudon, on Friday, January 7, 1864, the 
Fifty-First was camped promiscuously about. The second 
day, in the afternoon, the regiment was ordered into line ; 
and while on the march. General Sheridan rode along and 
directed that all who desired to re-enlist as "veterans," in 
accordance with the order promulgated by the War Depart- 
ment, the provisions of which he proceeded to explain, to 
report under heavy marching orders. This was just about 
to be executed ; the call was made ; when almost the entire 
regiment stepped out. The quartermaster was dispatched 
to the general, stating that if the regiment had an oppor- 
tunity, it would rather go as an organization ; and it would 
be better. The request was granted; and the next morn- 
ing, Sunday, the regiment marched out of camp, with flags 
waving and bands playing ; creating great excitement all 
over the camp. They were met at the river by an aid, and 
requested to visit headquarters ; which was complied with. 
The general stated that it would be impossible to let them 
go for a day or two, on account of rations. On Tuesday 
morning, however, they started for Chattanooga ; and on 
arrival there, reported to be mustered into the "veteran" 
service. The non-commissioned officers, of which the reg- 
iment had a good staff, and also the officers, all manifested 
great interest in carrying out the orders, and in getting up 
the rolls in good style and condition. It was a big task, 
but ready hands made quick work of it. 

At this point, Hartpence, who had been released from 
the inspector's department at his own solicitation, rejoined 
the regiment, and was one of the most active workers ; his 
ready pen having the honor of filling out all the "veteran 
discharges" in his own company, beside much other more 



"(iOING VETERAN." 199 

important work. Captain Anderson, who had returned to 
tlie front a few days previous, also rejoined the regiment 
1iere, and was very useful in assisting the commander. 

The next thing was the pay, accompanied with which 
was to be a thirty days' furlough home. To the writer, 
who had been right at the front continuously for nearly two 
years and a half, without a sight of "God's country," the 
thought of going home w\as inspiration enough, without the 
additional honor that attached to the title of "veteran." 

There were probably as many motives for re-enlistment 
— in addition to that of patriotism, pure and simple, as 
there were individuals. With a few it was a "fad," that 
they followed as naturally as many did the introduction of 
the steel collar. To the writer it came at a time when his 
heart was brimming with gratitude to God for the recovery 
of his brother, who was so badly wounded in the battle of 
Missionary Ridge, and who he had promised, in the event 
of such recovery, to devote his life to the great cause of the 
Union. Some hesitated till the example of others carried 
them over the ripple. Others held out to the very last ; 
and only yielded when they saw the boys pack their traps, 
and start off. There was a sort of heroic display in that, 
they could not resist ; and hustling their stuff' together, 
they joined the jolly crowd, as they swung off to the tune 
of "Johnny comes marching home." 

Those who remained behind, consoled themselves with 
the assurance that they "knew when they had enough;" 
and in response to the "good-bye" of the "veterans," they 
said, with an attempt at cheerfulness, "Our turn '11 come 
l)efore long." 

Loaded in cattle cars, reeking witli vile odors, we min- 
gled the delectable perfume with our songs and cheers, and 
were happy. Tliere were few things that fell to the lot of 
soldiers, which we had not experienced; and it would have 
taken a great deal more to deter us from our ])urp<is<' now. 
Had duty called in an opposite direction, not one of that 



200 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

crowd would have hesitated. That was the sort of stuff 
''veterans" were made of. It had required those years of 
severe testing, of disappointment, heart-break, fatigue and 
deprivation, and all the sympathy for each other in mutual 
suffering, to bring them up to that high standard of per- 
fection ; and there was in it a rare exemplification of "the 
survival of the fittest." They could always be relied on. 
And the Government recognized that fact. AVe were not 
alone ; our experiences in camp, on the march, on the field 
of battle, on picket, in bivouac and in prison, were similar 
to those of many thousands, who in the nobility of their 
young manhood, underwent all those things necessary to 
make them veterans. No extra coloring is needed, nor is 
there any exaggeration in this narrative. Indeed, 
"The half has never yet been told; " 

nor will it be, by the boys whose heroism and nobility of 
manhood stands unexampled in the history of the world. 
Think of private soldiers, just out of school, or half way 
through their apprenticeship in a printing office or a car- 
penter shop, becoming such adepts in the art of war, as to 
command great armies, and by their master^ conduct of a 
campaign, to astonish the whole world with their wonder- 
ful accomplishments ! Quite frequentl}' there were privates 
in the ranks, who were much more capable of handling a 
regiment or a brigade, than some of those who through in- 
fluence were assigned to such commands. 

A MERITED TESTIMONIAL. 

The following paragraph, which is full of encourage- 
ment to all the brave boys to whom it applies, is from Van 
Home's History of the Army of the Cuml^erland : 

" There were now in tiie Army of the Cumberland a large number 
of re-enlisted troops. During tlie winter and spring there re-enlisted 8S 
regiments of infantry, 3 of mounted infantry, Ki of cavalry, 18 batteries 
of artillery, and 2G detachments of all arms, and Sjlofi recruits in the ag- 
gregate were added to these organizations while on furlough. The im- 
portance of the re-enlistment of these troops can not be overestimated. 



"going vetp:ran." 201 

Without them and tlie "veterans" of tlie other two oo-operative armies, 
the Atlanta campaign could not have been safely undertaken; the war 
would have been greatly postponed, and its issue might have been differ- 
ent. The slow movement of the draft, and the provisional measure of 
short enlistments could not have furnished such troops as were demanded 
in the sjtring of 1864. Without the veterans, aggression could not have 
been entertained, and the feeble armies, during the summer, might have 
been compelled to relax their grasp upon the heart of the rebellious states. 
It is then the plainest duty of the historian to mention tlie regiments and 
other organizations, whose mem liers, in whole or in part, re-enlisted as 
''veteran volunteers," and ever after bore the grandest name which the 
war originate*!." 

Then follows a list of regiments and batteries whose 

organizations were continued under re-enlistment ; and the 

Fifty-First takes its place in the front rank. 

As a badge of honorable distinction, ''service chev- 
rons" were furnished by the War Department, to be worn 
by the "veterans." This chevron consisted of a red strip 
of worsted braid, about 12 inches long and seven-eighths 
of an inch wide, on which a strip of blue worsted braid, 
the same length and half an inch wide, was sewed ; this 
was doubled in the shape of a V, and tacked on the left 
coat sleeve. 

Lieut .-Col. Comparet' called on the paymaster, and 
told him that if he would give us drafts on Louisville or 
Indianapolis, we could draw our money there, and the men 
could be paid at the end of the journey. All went well till 
we arrived at Louisville. Captain Anderson had been sent 
ahead to procure the funds, but the colonel had neglected 
to sign the drafts, which were drawn in his name. Tliis 
was corrected, however, immediately on our arrival at Lou- 
isville, and the money was drawn. Anderson was made 
custodian of the funds, assisted by Lieutenant Scearce and 
Captain Haley. While the officers were getting things in 
order, so that there would be no interruption, when we got 
to Indianapolis, some .Jews got among the boys, and incited 
some of them to compel the payment of the money there ; 
and wlien the colonel entered the barracks where the regi- 



202 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RECilMENT. 

ment was, two stepped forward, with bayonets fixed, and 
demanded tlieir money. Several other soldiers rushed to 
the officer's defence, and taking possession of their guns, 
put them under arrest. It was pouring down rain ; but it 
was determined to get away from there at once. So, "at- 
tention" was called, and out into the rain we glided, down 
to the river, and across to the depot. The train was there, 
waiting for us ; but we had to wait for our treasurer. He 
joined us as the engine backed down ; and soon we were on 
our "winding way" to the Hoosier metropolis. Colonel 
Comj)aret' had telegraphed to Governor Morton that we 
would be there at 1 a. m., and we arrived on time. It was 
cold, and snow covered the hills. The engineer gave us a 
good run. While the boys waited for orders. Lieutenant 
Murray visited the "Soldiers' Home," a large frame struc- 
ture arranged for the accommodation and convenience of 
the Indiana soldiers on such occasions. He returned soon,- 
reporting that all was ready for us. The boys got in line 
and marched to the "Home," where they met a very warm 
reception. Everything was cheerful ; great stoves, red hot ; 
the boys were served with hot coffee ; then laid down and 
rested till morning ; when they got out, washed up and got 
read}^ for business. In the meantime, Comparet' and An- 
derson had gone to the Occidental Hotel, on the southeast 
corner of Washington and Illinois streets, and secured a 
room ; where the officers in command of companies were 
summoned to meet at 7 a. m., with their pay-rolls. Then 
payment was begun, Anderson and Murray disbursing the 
money. Tlie money for each company was lianded to its 
commander, and he in turn disbursed it to the men. As 
the paying-off proceeded, the colonel busied himself with 
getting furloughs and transportation. Soon the boys were 
paid off, and had their furloughs ; and the colonel had so 
dated the papers, as to give the boys three days more than 
they were entitled to. 

Governor Morton had inaugurated a system of "recep- 




Governor O. P. Morton. 



RECEPTION AND " VETERAN" FURLOIHJH. 203 

tions," which contributed very mitcli to tlie gratification of 
the loyal heart of the people, and the encouragement of 
retitrning soldiers. On the arrival of a regiment, or any 
regular organization of troops, a public dinner was pre- 
pared, and the regiment to be received was escorted, with 
appropriate music, and other demonstrations, to the Capi- 
tal grounds, or some public hall, where patriotic speeches 
were made, praising the brave boys, and welcoming them 
liome. These occasions were always enlivened and greatly 
enhanced by the presence of large numbers of ladies, who 
did their best to serve the gallant boys with the delicious 
things on the tables, meanwhile engaging with them in an- 
imated conversation. Songs were freqtiently introduced, 
and clubs and choirs often favored the soldiers with fine 
programs of patriotic selections, alternating with a cornet 
])and. On these occasions the venerable Col. James Blake 
uniformly presided, and acted as chief marshal. The in- 
fluence of that scene is not forgotten by the comrades, nor 
how greatly the bronzed veterans were recompensed for all 
their hardships and privations ,' in these evidences that the 
toilsome marches and hard-fought battles were appreciated 
and valued by loyal hearts at home. Many a one returned 
to duty with fresh courage and renewed determination to 
perform his part faithfully and well, till tlie last armed foe 
expired . 

Next day we had a reception, tendered by Governor 
Morton ; after which we turned over our arms and accou- 
terments and regimental colors, and marched back to the 
"Home" parade ground, where we formed a hollow scpiare. 
In this Lieut .-Col. Comparet' took a position, and made a 
ringing speech to the boys ; complimenting them on their 
gentlemanly conduct, and the success that had attended 
their present trip thus far, and admonishing them to pre- 
serve the excellent reputation they had won. The fellows 
who had threatened him at Louisville, then came forward, 
and in a very contrite manner, acknowledged their error. 



204 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

and begged his pardon; which was readily granted, and 
"All went merry as a marriage bell." 
The work was done, and the Fifty-First scattered for 
home; while other regiments, that had been there three 
days, were not yet disbanded. 

RETURN TO THE FRONT. 

Few of us realized before how strong were the ties that 
bound the soldiers to their homes . It required no ordinary 
courage and unselfish patriotism, to part with the loved 
ones, with no assurance of meeting them again on earth. 
And it required all the integrity of a true heroine, to send 
forth from the pleasures of home and the joys of domestic 
life, for the toils and privations and hardships of war, the 
men and boys who were dearer than life itself. Its results 
were ofttimes more than human heart could endure. Dr. 
Kirkbridge, in his report of the insane asylums of Penn- 
sylvania, at that time, notes an enormous number of fe- 
male patients, whose insanity was caused solely by the loss 
of relatives in war. This was doubtless equally true of all 
the loyal States. To the encouragement received from the 
loyal women, may be credited very much of the noble de- 
termination that characterized each veteran. 

We had learned patience in many ways, during the 
long delay of the consummation of our enthusiastic hopes. 
We had learned to endure the sorrow and trial and hard- 
ship and exposure and mean insult and indignity ; for we 
felt that this was essential to the grand baptism and new 
birth which our Nation was to experience. 

"As flake by flake the beetling avalanches 

Bind up their imminent crags of snow, 
Till some chance thrill the loosened ruin launches, 

And the blind havoc leaps unarmed below : 
So grew and gatiiered through the silent years, 

The madness of a people, wrong by wrong; " 

Till, in a moment of despair, every element of loyalty and 
2:)atriotism and humanity 



"veterans" return to the front. 205 

" Leapt up, with one hoarse yell, and snapt its bands ! " 
A wag remarks that, according to his recollection, it 
was not exactly a "one-horse yell," neither, nor was it pre- 
cisely in the nature of a "snap," especially for the rebs. 

When our time expired, we all came together at Indi- 
anapolis , and repaired to the seat of war ; being already 
assigned to duty at Chattanooga, under command of Gen- 
eral Steedman, to whom Lieut .-Col Comparet' reported. 

A TRAMP ACROSS THE COUNTRY. 

On their arrival at Nashville, it was found impractica- 
ble to go farther by railroad ; the road being cut in several 
places, and menaced by a number of guerrilla bands. So, 
without much delay, they proceeded on foot over the same 
route taken only a few months before. The march was not 
so agreeable as on the first occasion, there being a great 
deal of rain, sleet, snow and mud. When they came to 
Walden's Ridge, the wagons had to be unloaded, and their 
contents carried to the top. 

On his leaving home, W. B. Gibson's old mother had 
put into his knapsack four or five pounds of maple sugar. 
While engaged in getting the wagons up the mountain, he 
laid his knapsack where he thought it was perfectly safe. 
He certainly must have left his sugar-poke exposed, how- 
ever, as when he returned, it was gone. Some person had 
stolen it. 0, how he swore ! He could do that beautifully 
then. John P. Smith called him over to where Comparet', 
Al. Harris, Lon. Smith, himself and some others were at 
supper, and asked him what was the matter. 

"Some un taken my sugar ; 'n' I can whip him on less 
ground 'n he can stand on !" • 

John P. dipped up a cupful of something out of a ket- 
tle, and offered it to him. As soon as he took one sip, he 
exclaimed : 

"There's my sugar now, Johnny I" 

But he didn't whip anybody, for the sugar was neatly 



206 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

surrounded by a gallon or more of hospital brandy, and 
the whole crowd got happy as lords over it . Which proves 
that maple sugar will intoxicate. 

Charley Cox didn't want to march ; and wasn't in a 
hurry to get back anyhow. He had plenty of money, and 
wanted to have a good time. So, he obtained a fine flask 
of liquor; and by a judicious distribution of it, secured a 
pass to Rowlett's station on the Louisville railroad. He 
overcame the difficulty presented by the bridge guards , by 
showing a l)ig *' official" envelop, which he had picked up 
somewhere, and which the officer had not time to examine. 
At Rowlett's, he exchanged his blue suit for that of a col- 
ored citizen, ( a former slave of Cox's father,) walked 12 
miles east to his father's home, stayed one day and night, 
returned to Rowlett's, traded back with the darkey, took 
the next train for Nashville, got with John Parker, hired 
citizens' suits for both, and ''bummed" around there for a 
week ; then they put on their own suits, got aboard a train, 
and were in Chattanooga by the time the regiment was 
fairly settled in camp there. 

Immediately on our arrival at Chattanooga, our regi- 
ment was detailed to inaugurate the National Cemetery at 
that place, and to remove the dead comrades from where 
they had been placed, in the vicinity of Chicamauga and 
Missionary Ridge battle-fields. It may not be generally 
known, but is nevertheless true, that the Fifty-First broke 
the ground and, from plans furnished by the War Depart- 
ment, laid oft* that cemetery, which is acknowledged to be 
one of the finest institutions of that character in the land. 

THE "thimble society." 

One of the most gratifying experiences of our army 
life, and one that served wonderfully to soften the asperi- 
ties of our unnatural existence, was the occasional receipt 
of substantial tokens of love and patriotic admiration from 
the loyal girls at home. Sometimes it was a box filled with 



THE "thimble society." 207 

socks, handkerchiefs, needles, pins, thread, mittens, cakes, 
butter, letter paper, envelops, ink and such other articles 
as the- boys so badly needed ; inclosino- also a letter from 
the sender — mother, sister, aunt or sweetheart. Then a 
shout Avould go up, as all the fellows of his "mess" would 
gather around the happy recipient, to see the box opened, 
and i:)erhaps get a taste of its contents. A great deal of 
literature was sent in this way to the boys in ]ios])ital ; and 
many a grateful heart blessed the tlioughtful women and 
girls up in "God's country," for the magazines over which 
the sufferers spent many a lonely hour. 

In the battle of Missionary liidge, Walter Hartpence, 
of the 79tli Indiana, and a brother of the writer, was very 
badly wounded; and it was the good fortune of the latter, 
to be permitted to combine with his military duties, that of 
nursing the wounded comrade and ])rother. One day a 
l)undle of magazines was received and distributed among 
the boys of that ward, which was in the cottage directly 
north of the old Baptist church in Chattanooga, and that 
was occupied by General AVagner while he was commander 
of til at post. Among these magazines was a copy of the 
Athnitic Montlihj , and on it was written, in a delicate hand, 
"From the 'Thimble Society,' Buffalo, N. Y., Nettie Marsh, 
Vice Pres." On the fly leaf of the same, or another of the 
same lot , a little pencil sketch informed the reader that the 
"Thimble Society" consisted of twelve young girls in the 
city of Buffalo, wliose object was to aid in any way they 
could in contributing to the comfort of suffering soldiers. 
A brief letter of thanks was returned from the boys, also 
describing their condition and hopefulness . At the same 
time a similar letter was addressed to Miss Hattie Brown, 
whose name apj^eared on another magazine, but having no 
reference to the "Society." The following is the reply : 

"Buffalo, Jan. 27 '»)4 
Dear Friend : 

I received your letter with miiigled gratitude and surprise. 
Little thought I as I wrote that small article in the At'anfic Monthly, I 



208 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

should over receive an answer to it. We were all gratified to hear that 
our work liad do'ne some good to the poor .suffering soldiers. My friend 
Hattie Brown received a letter from you a short time ago, and we had a 
fine time reading them at the Society, which met at the President's, ]\Iiss 
Jennie White's house. The Society send their thanks for the dollar that 
you so kindly sent us, and which helped to increase the weight of our 
money box. There is to be a great "central fair" here, for the benefit of 
tlie "sick and wounded soldiers." It is to commence on Washington's 
Birththiy, and last a week. I suppose it will be a grand aftair. 
If you ever receive this letter, and think it worth while to answer it, will 
you describe a battle to me? What do you think of this war? Do you 
think it will ever end? I most sincerely hope it will. Our 

society is called the "Thimble Society." 

^^ Thimble Society'''' Members. 

Jennie White, President. Nettie Marsh, Viec President. 

Carrie Burnbam, Treasurer. 

Sarali Burrows, Delia Litch worth, 

Julia Burrows, Julia Vougt, 

Hattie Brown, Minnie Vougt 

Emma Butman, Kittie Wilber, 

Minnie Wilber, Your friend, 

Nettie." 

"what's IN A NAME?" 

One of the humorous features of our camp life, that 
was formed from long familiarity with each other, Avas the 
substitution of nicknames ; and so complete was that in 
many instances, that the real name of the individual was 
scarcely known to any person except the orderly sergeant, 
whose duty it was to call the roll and make details. In Co. 
C, for instance, Stephen Hilton was known as "Billy Cat," 
Joseph Brown as "Wolf," Charles Newnam as "Squirrel," 
John Wells as "Goose," Howard Pike as "Fish," David 
Thompson as "Weasel," W. F. Hadden as "Big Jig," and 
J. T. Dinwiddle as "Little Jig;" J. F. McKinley answered 
to "Brute F.," and Jonathan Peterson was contracted to 
"Jonty Pete." The same thing existed in all the other 
companies, ' "Boss" Ferguson would hardly have known 
who you meant , if he was addressed as Sebastian , the good 
old Spanish name his mother gave him ; nor would Jere- 
miah Richeson respond to anything else than "Mother," 



NICKXA^MES, 209 

The name of "Eyesickle McGunsky, Co. B," appears 
among a list of men from the Fifty-First, buried in Crown 
Hill Cemetery, at Indianapolis, but careful search through 
the Adjutant Generars Report has failed- to show such a 
name . It is most likely a nickname by which the comrade 
was known, and was so reported. 

And there, was "Petty" — Pettigrew, of Co. (t, a veri- 
table ''son of the sod," who w^as always ready to buoy the 
drooping spirits of a homesick comrade. He was always 
ready for a bit of a joke, too, no matter at whose expense. 
While passing through Pulaski, the streets of which were 
lined with people of every shade of color, he indulged in a 
little pleasantry, directed at Comrade Black, of the same 
company ; which the women and children took up, and cre- 
ated such a happy excitement, that every one forgot his 
fatigue and discomfort ; while the darkies on the sidewalks 
jumped and danced, and shouted, "God bress Massa Lin- 
kum an' his sojers !" 

"Little Jig" w^as a good soldier ; but he had a way of 
doing and saying things that was strictly original. When 
he received notice from the orderly that he was detailed as 
ordnance sergeant at brigade lieadquarters, lie caught his 
l)reath ; then replied : 

"Well, I jist wisht you'd hush! I ain't no sucli a 
thing." 

"Yes ; get on your things, and report." 

"Naw, I won't do no such a thing. What do L have 
to do?" 

"Just take charge of the guards of the ammunition 
train." 

"Jig" reconsidered his decision, and went. Next day 
we got hasty marching orders ; and the colonel l)egan to 
hurry up all hands, to get out on the road as soon as pos- 
sible. At the ordnance camp, the teamsters Avere having a 
"picnic" with a lot of intractable mules, tliat i)ersisted in 

tying themselves up in all sorts of shapes. "Jig" was an 
14 



210 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

artist in that line. He had a strong voice, beautifully 
adapted to that calling ; and the rhythmic vernacular, as it 
found its way into the inner consciousness of those mules, 
was electrifying in its effect. Going at once to the relief 
of the muleteers, he soon evoked order out of chaos, and 
started the happy drivers on their winding way. 

But his new position soon brought him to grief. Bob 
Hall, who was at the time wagon-master, got into trouble 
at the very next piece of bad road, and having a poor hand 
with one of the teams, ordered 'Mig" to get up and drive. 

''I'll not do it, fer you nor nobody else." 

Just then the colonel, came along ; and not thinking of 
his being a sergeant, nor the indignity offered in such a 
requirement, seconded the demand of the wagon-master. 
He met with a like refusal, which was steadily adhered to ; 
and another driver had to l)e found for the unruly team. 
The result was, the sergeant was reduced to the ranks as 
soon as he came to camp. This was a very unjust act on 
the part of the colonel ; as it humiliated and discouraged 
a good and efficient soldier, while it onlv stimulated the 
petty tyranny of the wagon-master. 

In March, 1864, Col. Streight was enjoying his "leave 
of absence" following his escape from the rebel prison, and 
was making speeches in Indiana. 

Our reorganization at the time of our final return to 
Chattanooga, was with the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 4th 
Army Corps, which included the following regiments : 

Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, Commanding Corps. 

Maj. Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan, " Division. 

Brig. Gen. Geo. D. Wagner, " Brigade. 

100th Illinois, Major Charles M. Hammond. 
15th Indiana, Col. Gustavus A. Wood. 
Major Frank White. 
Capt. Benj. F. Hegler. 
40tli Indiana, Lieut .-Col. Elias Neff. 
51st Indiana, Lieut .-Col. John M. Comparet'. 



A STORM IN CAMP. 211 

57th Indiana, Lieut. -Col. Geo. W. Lennard. 
58th Indiana, Lieut .-Col. Jos. Moore. 
26th Ohio, Lieut .-Col. AVm. H. Young. 
97th Ohio, Lieut .-Col. Milton Barnes. 
About April 30, 1864, the Fifty-First was transferred 
to the ''Separate Brigade of the Etowah," Brig. Gen. Jas. 
B. Steedman commanding, including the following : 
15th Indiana, Col. G. A. Wood. 
29th Indiana, Lieut.-Col. David M. Dunn. 
44th Indiana, Lieut.-Col. Sim. C. Aldricli. 
51st Indiana, Lieut.-Col. J. M. Comparet'. 
68th Indiana, Lieut.-Col. Harve}' J. Espy. 
8th Kentucky, (5comp's,) Capt.-Iohn Wilson. 
3d Ohio, Capt. Leroy S. Bell. 
24th Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Armstead T. Cockerill. 
About the 1st of May, many of the boys were begin- 
ning to get interested in the development of vaccination, 
that had been ordered about a month previous ; the writer 
had a splendid case, which subsequently proved to have 
been accomplished with impure virus, and had to be burnt 
out with lunar caustic. Joh]i Gasper and -lames Griggs, of 
Co. C, also, who were vaccinated from his arm, came near 
losing their left arms, which swelled up to two or three 
times their usual size. 

A STORM IN CAMP. 

On the 24th of May, while nearly everybody was laid 
up with vaccination , we experienced a most terrific wind 
and rain storm. The elements got on a regular tear ; and 
for a day or two it was hard to tell which end of the world 
was up, or for one to swear to his identity at all. 

The day had been beautiful — one of unusual loveli- 
ness. Old Sol had risen in all his majestic splendor, and 
kissing the bright dew-drops on the millions of tiny plants, 
strode up to the meridian like a fresh adjutant in his new 
uniform on dress parade. Up to this stage everything was 



212 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

"o. k." Lying extended on our home-made co-uches, our 
feet elevated at an angle of 90^, our right hands chiefly 
employed in brushing away the festive blue-tail fly, that 
persisted in pestering our vaccination — earth all this time 
trying to observe its regular motions, we did not anticipate 
trouble . 

Have you seen tlie enraged tiger spring from his lair, 
as though he would crush everything visible, imaginable 
or hypothetical, beneath his ponderous paws, or tear it into 
shreds with his merciless fangs? That is a feeble compar- 
ison to the occasion referred to. With an overwhelming 
savage power, yet with awful grandeur, it came, bursting 
suddenly from the silent valleys and the rugged bights of 
Lookout and Walden. Great black ugly threatening clouds 
loomed in the hollows of the air, the lightning flashed, the 
thunder bellow^ed ; while a dense mass of inky frowning sky 
hurled itself dow^n on us without a moment's w^arning ; and 
away went our earthly possessions. As the winds jostled 
against each other, they lifted the sacred curtains and loose 
boards of our sanctums sanctorum, carrying ofl' the entire 
stock, credits and assets, with tlie mad fury of a demon. 

It was beautiful and grand ; but we were not in a mood 
to absorb its spirit, nor to even contemplate it unbiased. 
It might have been an amusing sight to a disinterested wit- 
iiess — one gust of wind after another skurrying through 
our dog-tents, ripping oft' the roof, emptying bucketfuls of 
water over books, papers, blankets and guns, with boards, 
bricks, camp equipage, etc., flying around in wildest disor- 
der. But it wasn't to us. Our guns, wdiich had just been 
brightened up for inspection, came lumbering down across 
our necks, rapping us into a most distressing condition of 
impatience. 

Then it suddenly disappeared, and there was a great 
calm. The sun came out in splendor, brightening nature, 
that had just washed its dusty face, with a pretty, dazzling 
smile that was really fascinating. But this did not much 



COL. STREIGHT TAKES COMMAND AGAIN. 21.> 

ameliorate our forlorn eoudition. All was rack and ruin. 
Herculaneum and Pompeii in all their glory were not ar- 
rayed like this. 

Such experiences were common, however, and we had 
to just get used to them. We all became philosophers. 

June came on us so hot that it seemed like Fahrenheit 
was fairly exhausted. The flies tortured us by day, and 
the gallinippers by night. It was a rare pleasure to get out 
in the cool of the dawn, and stroll off toward Missionary 
Ridge, with its masses of giant trees waving their shaggy 
heads in the winds, their vernal hangings glittering and 
glistening in the bright morning sunshine, their aged and 
battle-scarred trunks heaving and sighing mournfully, as 
though they were telling of the many young lives that had 
gone out beneath their ample spread, whose blood was thus 
mingled — patriot and traitor^ to fertilize the lovely wild- 
wood flowers, with whose delicious perfumes the whole air 
was redolent. 

COL. STREIGHT RETURNS TO THE REGIMENT. 

About the latter part of June, 1864, Colonel Streight 
returned to the front, and reported for duty ; and turning 
over the command to him, Lieut .-Col. Comparet' reported 
to his own regiment, whose three years' term had expired, 
and who were awaiting orders for home. Comparet' had 
greatly endeared himself to the Fifty-First, and it was with 
sincere regret that we bade him farewell. In speaking of 
his connection with our regiment, years afterward, he said : 
"All the time I was in command of the regiment, was one 
of pleasure and joyful event. Our marches and camp life 
will always be remembered by me, and the men, as a body, 
were gentlemen, and were ol)edient in all respects.'" And 
in his farewell remarks to them, he said, with deep feeling : 

"My dear and gallant old comrades, these events form 
a bright page in the volume of your historic regiment, and 
of vour lives in the defence of vour countrv and your flasf- 



214 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RE(iIMENT. 

May your memory never wither, aiid may the name of each 
be enrolled as the heroes and defenders of our Nation." 

RAILROAD GUARDS. 

During the summer of 1864, a detachment from the 
Fifty-First was sent to the depot yard in Chattanooga, to 
take charge of and guard all railroad passenger trains run- 
ning to Knoxville. The first detail was commanded by 
Lieut. Roman Salter, of Co. K. This detail was relieved 
June 13, by another, commanded by Lieut. J. N. Brown^ 
of Co. G, and including W. R. Hartpence, "Doc" Cliites- 
ter, Francis M. Piper, John Charles, Wm. Tout, Amos 
Warrick, and a number of others, whose names got away. 
Hartpence acted as conductor of the train, while the lieu- 
tenant looked after the ladies and children, and examined 
passes . This lasted till November S , wdien the detachment 
was relieved, and ordered to report to the regiment. This 
experience was one of great danger and risk ; and the boys 
witnessed a great deal of the inside life of loyal Tennessee- 
ans and their disloyal neighbors. Their hearts were often 
touched by scenes of sadness and distress. Knoxville was 
at that time in a state of desolation ; having been overrun 
by both armies. It was surrounded by green ponds, and 
almost devoid of herbage, and presented a most disgusting 
aj^pearance. The boys were always glad to get away from 
it. Along the route, however, were several pretty little 
villages, that were inhabited by loyal people. Athens and 
Cleveland will especially be remembered, for their uniform 
kindness and hearty encouragement. 

A very sad incident occurred on one of these trips . A 
rebel soldier's wife, who had obtained permission to visit 
her husband, (who was a prisoner,) at Chattanooga, got 
on at Knoxville, with her two little children, one of whom 
was not more than four months old. On her return, the 
older, who had been sick, grew worse, and was once laid 
out as dead. But throuiiii the attention and kindness of 



ANONYMOUS CORRESTONDENCE . 215 

those on board, it was kept alive until their arrival at the 
"refugee-house" in Knoxville. It died there at 4 o'clock 
next morning. The sorrowing mother came to the con- 
ductor before the departure of the train , telling him of her 
distress, and thanking him and his comrades for their ten- 
der consideration in her time of trouble. 

A serious accident occurred one day, which it was for 
some time feared would prove fatal. While passing under 
a bridge, when the train was making fast time, Will Tout, 
of Co. A, was struck on the head by one of the heav}^ tim- 
bers, and almost knocked from the car. It seemed likely 
at first, he w^ould lose his mind. Happily, he recovered, 
and was restored to duty in a few weeks. 

Our mail was greatly disturbed at this time, having to 
be sent around by way of Huntsville, on account of the 
Nashville and Chattanooga Road being torn up by AVheel- 
er's critter-back guerrillas. 

ANONYMOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 

Among other innocent amusements to relieve the dull 
tedium and torture of this sort of life, was that of answer- 
ing "anonymous correspondents." -One specimen of this is 
certainly enough for the average reader. Following the 
popular idiocy, Lieut. Newt. Brown and Hartpence yielded 
to the influence of a double-rigged invitation from a couple 
of ladies of Newport, K}^ Here is a verbatim copy of the 
first response from the ladies : 

" Delecta Amiga : 
Brave Hoosier soldiers, far from home, I read with anxious care 
Your wish for correspondence with kiscious maidens fair. 
As you've thrown down tiie gauntlet, now I'll take up the pen, 
And we'll see, niv bonnie vet'rans, where tiiis flirtation entls. 
They call me free and forward, but I love the soldier brave 
Who fights beneath the stars and stripes, his country for to save; 
Yet 1 pity the condition i f those who are so vain 
As to make love to all the world, a lady's heart to gain, 
' Tis not so hard to please our sex, if you're at all inclined. 
Send on your shadows, soldiers brave, and 1 will send you mine ; 
I know that you will love me when you my photo see. 



216 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

So give all other maids the slip, and only write to me. 
' Tis true, upon my finger a ring of gold I wear : 
A token from a soldier who is youthful, hrave and fair; 
But my heart is large enough for three, and all this world may know- 
That from this hour I ever sport three strings unto my beau ! 
In hiiriit, I'm five feet four or .so; of age, but twcnty-tiiree; 
Complexion fair, dark eyes and hair, and heart still fancy free. 
Though myself a Buckeye girl, I rather like the Hoosiers too ; 
So success to your vet'ran comrades, and a double health to you. 
Now, my unknown soldier frienils, you must admire my charms ; 
And if any ill befall you, just come unto my arms; 
I'll cherish you and love you, though fortune frown or smile. 
But, Oh ! avoid the frail fair ones who would your hearts beguile! 

Toujours votre ami, 

Pauline C. Lavant. 
Newport, Ky. 
P. S. Sub rosa, boys, don't forget; 

And a speedy answer vou'll not regret. 

P. C. L." 

Of course the boys wrote immediately, and sent their 
pictures — the lovely ferrotypes they took in Chattanooga ; 
which required a diagram to explain who the}^ were ; and 
that settled it. They never got an answer ; and would not 
have dared to come home through Kentucky by daylight, 
after that. Whatever became of ''dear Pauline," is not 
known ; but ''the years as they pass slowly by" make sad 
havoc of human aspirations and conceits; and Pauline's 
disgust when she saw those pictures, and discovered that 
these soldiers were only a small-sized lieutenant and brevet 
corporal, instead of major generals, possibly faded out long- 
ago ; and she may have spent her days spanking the babies 
of a red-headed street-car driver, or teaching school. 

COPPERHEAD LETTER. 

We were encouraged about this time by the removal 
of a lot of generals whom we had distrusted, and had just 
begun to appreciate the worth of their successors . We were 
all eager to complete the war ; and only feared that some 
foolish "peace-at-any-price" compromise would be made, 
that would subject us to the contempt and ridicule of the 
world. We did not want a declaration of peace, without 



A COPPERHEAD LETTER. 217 

the obliteration of every vestige of the so-called Southern 
Confederacy, and the utter and permanent subjugation of 
every rebel. More than all, we desired the humiliation of 
the miserable copperheads that poisoned and paralyzed so- 
ciety at home, and the complete eradication of the scurvy, 
malignant horde. As an illustration of the influence that 
was wielded liy tliat infamous party, we co])y an ingenious 
and cowardly letter received by Frank M. Brown, of Co. G, 

the original of which is preserved : 

"New Waverlv, Cass Co., Ind. "i 
June 27, 1864. / 
Tlie d-i\ tories have nominated two men for president Fremont and 
Lincoln so you can have your choice I feel sorry for you I think you 
have lost your senses since las harvest when you were here You feel very 
bad because I will not do as your brother Sam has done turn traitor to 
ray party take some abolition paper & cry "down with the butternuts & 
copperheads" & curse all my brothers because the could not see just as I 
do that is what constitutes a union man now-a-days. I am happy to in- 
form you that I will never do either. You say you are sorry that F will 
vote against the soldiers after i.eing one myself. T don't know wliat you 
mean by voting against the soldiers for the Democrats tried to raise tiie 
soldiers wages to Slli in gold this winter or paper enough to buy 1<> in gold. 
That would be death on you all for then you could buy whisky enough to 
kill all of you. Is that what you mean by voting against tlie soldiers? 
or do you think that if I would vote for Lincoln the war would last as 
long as he was president so you could all stay in the army & not have to 
work, for they say in their platform that they will never compromise 
with traitors or rebels. It will take a 'ong time kill them all oft. They 
want to give the "niggers" all the land in the south & it will take all the 
land & property in the north to redeem the greenbacks & pay for the 
war. They want to amend the constitution to free the "nigger.s" & they 
say "Old Abe" has already done that. Jeff Davis wanted to amend the 
constitutiim so that the north would have to send their "niggers" back. 
jVow ivhich is the worst Abe and Jeff. I say one is as much of a traitor 
as the other & ivhoever supports either of them are traitors to the consti- 
tution ttr ivant to tear down our government. The Democrats are the 
only Union party that we have in the United States & whoever says they 
are traitors are d-(\ liars I care not who they are where they come from 
or what they call themselves If the Democrats were traitors as you say 
they are they would not pay taxes to carry on this unconstitutional war 
& wait till they can elect a man of their own but they wouM refuse to 
pay them & if they went to force them they could wipe out the d-d abo- 
lition torys. But they wait patiently. Thank God we will soon elect 
one & tlien we will .see who looks through the ijars of Fort Lafayette & 



218 FIP'TY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

those military dungeons We will do with them just as the did with our 
party. Vallandiglidm has come home to Oliio hurrah for hira ! 

from James Noland." 

THE FIGHT AT DALTON. 

It has been impossible to ascertain the dates of return 
of officers to the regiment ; and notice can only be given 
by the incidental mention of their names. Most of those 
who had not resigned, made their appearance about the 
opening of the Atlanta campaign. 

August 15, 1864, Ave liad a lively set-to with the rebels 
near Dalton, Georgia, that being the beginning of our part 
in that memoraV)le campaign. Wheeler's mob of 3,000 
rebel cutthroats had surrounded that town, with its little 
garrison of 300 men, who Avere huddled together in a large 
brick house, and commanded by the indomitable Colonel 
Laiboldt, of the '2d Missouri. General Steedman was with. 
the command, but deferred to Colonel Streight, wdio had 
command of the brigade; Capt. W. W. Scearce being in 
command of the Fifty-First. There were. with us the 68th 
Indiana, 78th PennsAdvania, 108th Ohio and 14th U.S. 
Colored. Leaving the train just before daylight, our com- 
mand slipped quietly over the rugged hills and through 
almost interminable thickets, until Ave Avere in sight of the 
enemy's pickets. Then forming a strong double line both 
of skirmishers and reserves, we SAvept over them like a gust 
of Avind. Our boys fought like tigers ; and the devoted 
garrison, Avdiose spirits Avere beginning to flag, AA^ere thrilled 
Avith joy at the prospect of deliverance. 

The day before, a soldier from some Kentucky regi- 
ment, Avho had just been discharged, and had stoj^ped at 
Dalton on his way home, had volunteered to aid in holding 
the tOAA-n. He Avas out on the skirmish line ; and being too 
closely pressed, he sought refuge in a house Avhose mistress 
had protection papers from General Steedman. Here the 
Union soldier thought himself safe ; and he Avould have 
been, but for the perfidy of the ungrateful she-rebel, Avho 



THE FIGHT AT DALTON. ' 219' 

informed the enemy of his conceahnent. Tliey took him 
out and shot liim in four pLaces, and left him lying in the 
road . 

Our boys were infuriated at report of thiB, and were 
resolved on revenge. The word was passed along the line. 
The colored boys mounted a hill in their front, to where 
the first lines of rebels were lying. Here they met a slight 
check, and wavered a little ; it was their first fight. Just 
then the story of the murdered Kentuckian came up their 
line. They rallied in a moment, and poured into the rebels 
a most galling fire. The word was given to "charge," and 
w^ith a tremendous bound and unearthly yell , they pounced 
like wounded tigers on their prey. When the rebels cried 
for mercy, the colored boys hissed back at them, ''Remem- 
ber Fort Pillow !" as they drove their bayonets through the 
vitals of the perfidious wretches. The mingled shouts and 
shrieks rang out on the fresh morning air, like the wail of 
lost souls in the perdition of those who hate God and virtue. 

One of the darkey soldiers, describing their charge,, 
said, "As I wuz gwine up de hill, a reb drap 'ight down in 
de weeds, 'n' 'gin to holler '0, Lo'd hab mussy on me ! I 
surrendehs, I surrendehs !' But I did'nt see no surrendeh. 
I jis' plug 'im in de mouf ; and den th'ee fo' fi'd on 'im. 
Dey jis' keep on fi'n' on he ; thought dey nevali git done. 
Spec' da wa'n't a bit o' bref in dat dar reb w'en he struck 
de groun'. 0, I tell ye 'twus life o' death to we-all. I jis'^ 
knowed dey nevah take we-uns no pris'nehs. Dey jis' fin- 
ish us up 'ight dar ! ' ' 

Wheeler's cruel and soulless method operated on this- 
occasion like a boomerang. He hastened to get away as 
soon as possible ; being closely followed by our skirmishers. 

George W. Scearce of Co. K, was promoted to be 2d 
lieutenant, in March, and took command of Co. A just be- 
fore this fight, wdien that company had no officers. As we 
approached the town, the skirmish line, consisting of Co. 
A, was confronted by a force of rebels around a dwelling. 



220 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

The skirmishers charged the house, but were repulsed, and 
Wade Harrison and Mason Morris were taken prisoners. 
The skirmishers, being reinforced immediately by Cos. D 
and F, under command of Captain Anderson, renewed the 
charge upon the rebel stronghold, finding it evacuated, on 
account of the flanking by the troops on our left. In this 
charge, Levi Todd, of Co. F, was mortally wounded and 
died on the 17th. 

The next day, as we were leaving Dalton, a man was 
seen in the distance, running and waving his hands. On 
his coming up to the command, it proved to be Wade Har- 
rison. He went to Lieutenant Scearce, saying, "I guess I 
won't carry a gun for a while," as he exhibited a parole. 
''All right," said the lieutenant, you can stay with us and 
cook flapjacks and make coflee." 

In the charge by Co. A, Sergeant A. C. Weaver was 
seriously wounded in the left heel. He was carried back 
by David Alley and Sergeant Montgomery, to an impro- 
vised hospital in a farm-house, which was already so full of 
wounded Union and rebel soldiers, that he was laid on the 
portico, drenched with the rain that fell just as the battle 
closed. He did not have his clothes changed till three or 
four days after, when he was taken to the general field hos- 
pital at Chattanooga. 

In the general engagement. Lieutenant Holman, Co. 
G, who was then a sergeant, saw a LTnion soldier lying on 
his back, his clothing torn from his breast, which had been 
X)ierced in several places by a bayonet passing clear through 
and out at his back. The dastardly act appeared to have 
been done after the poor fellow was killed by a bullet. 

The Ofiicial War Records furnish the following reports, 
which are slightly abbreviated for this work. 

Report of Col. Wni . Sirwell, 7StliPenn. Inf. 

" Maj. Gen. Steedman directed me to report to Col. Streight. 
Sunday noon, August 14, 1864, on reaching Cbicamauga Station, on the 
riiattanooga and Atlanta Railroad, I reported to Col. Streight. He placed 



THE FKJUT AT DALTON. 221 

me in coiumand of the 78th Pennsylvaiua, lUStli Ohio and tiSth Indiana, 
witli instrnctions to move forward on Daiton as speedily as possihle. At 
Tunnel Hill I disembarked, matched across Tunnel Hill, then taking the 
railroad marched perhaps tliree miles. Here I received orders from C'ol. 
iStreight to halt, it being 2 A. M., and so dark, imprudent to go farther. 
At daylight Gen. Steedman ordered me to move forward i-apidly as pos- 
sible. At this time the 14th U. S. (jolored troops were sent forward, and 
took position on the left of my command, and sent forward one company 
to skirmish and to protect tiieir flanks. Due preparation being made, the 
troops began to move forward, meeting the enemy in strong force, said 
to be about 3,000, driving bim tliree miles, through Daiton, where the 
entire command halted in a very heavy rain." 

Report of Capt. W. W. Sccarce. 

"Chattanooga, Aug. 20, 18(54. 
The regiment having received orders on the 14th, embarked on board 
the cars at 5 p. m., August 14, and arrived at Tunnel Hiil at midnight. 
Here the I'egiment disembarked, and was ordered to accompany the ar- 
tillery through the country to the gap in the Rocky Face I\i<lge, where 
it arrived at about 3 a. m., and lay in line of battle on Col. Morgan's iT'. 
8. Col. Inf.,) left until after suinise; we then moved beyond the gap, and 
took a position on the right of the 29th Indiana. These two regiments 
formed the reserve, and occupied a position to the right and rear of the 
front line. After the charge made by Col. Morgan's regiment, I was or- 
dered to throw out two companies, to protect our flank on the right. The 
skirmishers soon became warmly engaged; the right of the line, having 
advanced so. ne distance beyond the main line, suddenly found them- 
selves upon a large body of the enemy concealed in and about a large 
house. The enemy rushed upon them, and demanded their surrender, 
but I sent a timely support, that saved the line, and after more severe 
skirmishing, the enemy withdrew, and my command, with the rest of 
the force, marched into Daiton. The strength of my command was 380. 
My loss was 4 wounded, 1 mortally, since died, 1 captured." 

Extract front Gen. Steedmaiis Report. 
"Pearly in the morning of August 14, the enemy's cavalry in consid- 
erable numbers, attacked a herd of cattle near Calhoun, (ia., dispersing 
a portion of the guard and driving off a large number of cattle. At 3 i'. 
M. I received information that rebel Gen. Wheeler, with a strong force, 
was moving toward Daiton. At i". >r. a demand had been made ity 
Wheeler for the surrender of Daiton, which had been refused. I did not 
reach the bridge north of that place till after midnight. I was told our 
forces were overpowered and captured. At daylight I advanced my com- 
mand ; we soon became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. 
Heard firing, and learning that the garrison was still holding out, moved 
forward rapidly, and soon cleared the town of the enemy; but being 
without cavalry, could not pursue. The enemy's loss could not be less 



'222 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

tlian 200. He left 33 dead and 57 badly wounded on the field. My loss 
was 1 otticer and 8 men killed, 1 officer and 29 men wounded, 1 officer 
und 23 men missing. Troops engaged, 2d Missouri, 29th, 51st and 

6Sth Indiana, 108th Ohio, 78th Pennsylvania and 14th Colored." 

From Gen. lliomas' Report. 
''Early on the morning of the 15th, Maj. Gen. tSteedman, with two 
regiments of white and six companies of colored troops, arrived at Dal- 
ton from Chattanooga and immediately attacked the enemy, driving him 
oft toward Hpring Place, after four hours' fighting. The enemy's loss was 
heavy, and he left his dead and wounded on the field. Our loss was 40 
killed and 55 wounded. We captured 50 wagons and 2 surgeons." 

Rebel Geu. Hood was almost as big a liar as Forrest. 
In his book '^ Advance and Retreat," he claims the above 
victory for himself ; and says : 

"On the 13th I demanded the surrender of Dalton, which, the first 
instance, was refused, but was finally acceded to at 4 p. m. The garrison 
consisted of about 1,000 men. As the road between Resaca and Tunnel 
Hill had been effectually destroyed, the army was put in motion the next 
morning, in the direction of Gadsden." 

The 24tli was made memorable by the arrival of a big 
boat-load of onions ; the very recollection of which brings 
tears to one's eyes. 

" How sublime a thing it is to sufTer and be strong! " 
THE NORTH ALABAMA CAMPAIGN. 

In the latter part of Angust, 1864, Gen. Jas. B. Steed- 
man, commanding the District of the Etowah, organized 
an expedition to meet the advance of the rebels through 
Northern Alabama. The organization of the Post of Chat- 
tanooga then, from which the expedition was made up, was 

as follows : 

Col. T. R. Stanley, Commanding Post. 
1st Brigade, Col A. D. Streight Commanding . 
51st Indiana, 14th U. S. Colored, 

11th Michigan, 2d Ohio. 

2d Brigade, Lieut .-Col. Dunn, Commanding . 
29th Indiana, 68th Indiana, 

Detach't 5tli Iowa, 18th Ohio, 
'' 10th Iowa. 



THE NORTH ALABAMA CAMPAIGN. 223 

Sd Brigade, Lieut. -Col. Hurlbut, Commanding . 
39th Iowa, 57th Illinois. 

The following is the report of Captain Stansbury, 19th 
Inf., A. A. A. G., to the general commanding : 

"('HATTAXOOG.\, .Sept. LJ, 18(34. 
The troops were loaded upon the trains, and the trains left the depot 
at tliis place at 7:30 A. M., September 1, and reached Whiteside's Station 
at 10 A. M., the same day. Here, in obedience to the railroad authorities, 
the command was delayed 2 hours and 45 minutes, awaiting the arrival 
of three engines and the cabooses. We left Whiteside's Station about 
VI: oO p. M., arrived at Bridgeport, taking on the train at that i)oint the 
oHth Iowa, and reached Stevenson at 1 : 10 p. M. At this point the coin- 
nuind was again delayed 1 hour and 45 minutes by tiie local agent, Mr. 
Irjj^h, for the purpose of changing engines and conductors. Mr. Irish 
also took the responsibility of cutting up one of the sections of the train, 
and joining the cars belonging to it on the other four sections. By this 
Some of the regiments were scattered upon three or four trains, and the 
horses of the artillery separated from tiie pieces. The expedition I'eached 
JNInrfreesboro at 10:30 p. M., and was disembarked from the train at that 
point. After several hours' rest, to give the troops an opportunity to c(wk 
tiieir rations, the command moved out on tlie I^a Veigne pike at 2:30 A. 
M., and marched to that point, reaching there at 9 a. m. Here a mes- 
senger was dispatched to Gen. Rousseau, and awaiting his reply, the 
command rested in camp. At 5 p. M., no word having been received 
from Gen. Rousseau, the command was got in readiness to move, when 
it was reported to the general commanding that a column of the enemy 
was moving down the Lebanon pike, in the direction of the town. The 
command was immediately moved into position, and tlie ISth Oliio de- 
ployed as skirmishers. The enemy advanced within sight of the skir- 
mish line, but seeing, or learning our force from the inhabitants, fell 
l)ack, refusing attack. The command then moved ui> the pike toward 
Murfreesboro, crossing Stewart's Creek, and taking up position at the 
^'hurcli two miles from the creek. Here, on the next morning, the .3d of 
September, the enemy again tried to cross, but finding us in their front 
again retired and moved up toward Lebanon. At tiie time the enemy 
tired upon our pickets, (ien. Milroy luui swnt word of iiis coming up with 
cavalry, and the command waited until his arrival before moving. At 
9 A. M. Gen. Milroy arrived, and the line was foimed. The command 
moved forward in line for one mile, when it was found tliat the enemy 
had left our front. Pursuit was commenced and kept up as far as old 
Jeflferson Crossing of Stone's River. The command then halted and 
rested, and then moved over to the railroad, where it had been destroyed 
by Wheeler. Tlie trains arrived here during the night, and at daylight 
of the 4th of September the command was again emljarked on tlie train 
and moved to Murfreesboro. At 9 a. m. Gen. Milroy sent woni that the 



224 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

enemy was crossing tlie Salem pike, live miles from town, and the com- 
mand was at once moved in that direction. Wliile on the marcli, word 
was received that the enemy had gone in full retreat, and Gen. Milroy 
was in pursuit. The command was moved back to Murfreesboro, where 
it remained till 10 A. M,, .September 5, when we moved upon the trains 
toward Tullahoma, repairing some 800 feet of track near Christiana. On 
arriving at Tullahoma, a request was received that the general sliould 
move his command to Huntsville and Pulaski. Arrangements were 
made to comply with this request, and the expedition arrived in Hunts- 
ville upon the trains at 8 :30 a. m. of the 6th of September. Rations were 
drawn liere by the men, and the expedition proceeded to Pulaski, arriving 
there at 8:30 p. M., where it remained all night. On the morning of the 
7th the command was moved to Athens, and disembarked al^out 12 M. 
Here word was received that Generals Rousseau and Granger were mak- 
ing for the same point, and we awaited their arrival. In the meantime 
(^ol. Streight, commanding First Brigade, was sent with his own and the 
Third Brigade to Rogersville. Generals Rousseau and Granger arrived 
at Athens September 8, at 4 p. M., and about 6 p. 3l., at the earnest solic- 
itation of Gen. Steedman, the whole command of cavalry was set in 
motion to support Col. Streight. The cavalry camped at IClk River on 
the night of the 8th of September. At 4 a. m. September 9, that command 
moved and overtook the infantry under Col. Streight's command at 
Shoal Creek about 3:30 P. M. Col. Streight had overtaken Gen. Wheel- 
er's rear guard, and skirmished with it, driving the enemy :tnd crossing 
the creek, where he awaited the arrival of the cavalry. At this point it 
was determined by Gen. Rousseau to remain for the night. On the 
morning of the 10th of September, after a long delay, the cavalry started 
in pursuit, and the infantry' of this command awaited developments. In 
the meantime foraging parties were sent out, and meat sufficient for two 
days' rations collected from the rebel citizens of the country. A portion 
of the command was moved down to — Ferry, where some of the boats 
of the enemy were concealed. Some skirmishing was had, and the 
guards of the boats driven from their cover, one being killed and several 
wounded. Orders to move up to Florence prevented any attempt to gain 
l)ossession of the boats. These orders were afterward c<nmtermanded, 
and the troops moved back to their camps. Gen. Rousseau announced 
here that Wheeler had crossed the Tennessee River at 4 p. M. On the 
morning of the 11th the command started for Athens, reaching Elk 
River at dark, and Athens at 9 A. M. on the 12th of September. The 
command started at 11 a. m., September 12, for Chattanooga, arriving 
there at 11 :30 p. M." 

Rebel Capt. Lester, 7th Ahdmnut Cav., to Wlirder : 

"Friday morning, Sept. 1, 1804. 
The enemy passed through Rogersville at 1 P. M, yesterday, on tlie 
Florence road from the direction of Athens, the force betvveen 2,000 and 
2,500, consisting of 4 regiments of white infantry and 1 negro regiment, 



"bounty-jumpers." 225 

1 rej;iinent of cavalry, about 250 men, and 2 pieces of artillery, com- 
manded by Gen. Streiirbt. Gen. Rousseau is reported in Athens with 2 
brigades of cavalry. The Yankees expect him to reinforce them to-day." 

(rcn. MiJhr, Co mdg . Nashville , to Gen. Sherman: 

"Nashville, Sept. 8, 1864—11 :H0 i>. m. 
Dispatches from Gen. Rousseau, at Athens, state that Wlieeler is in 
the vicinity of Rogersville. Col. iStrei<fiit has gone toward Rog- 

ersville, with 2,500 infantry and 2 pieces of artillery." * 

(rea. (H ranger to Gen. Whipple: 

"Athens, Sept. 8, 1864. 
Have just returned from the pursuit of Wheeler with 1,300 cavalry 
and 2 pieces of artillery. At 11 A. M. today, I met Col. Streight at Elk 
River. I advised liim to move down and attack Wheeler, and 

gave him one of my best regiments of cavalry, about 450 strong, and or- 
dered the 10th Michigan Inf., 300 strong, which had marched down with 
him, to report to him. T advised Streight, that if Wiieeler crossed the 
river, or if he forced him over the river, to destroy the ferries, and guard 
the fords." 

The Post of Chattanooga, Sept. oO, 1864, consisted as 
follows : 

Col. T. R. Stanley, Commanding . 

29th Indiana, Capt. Samuel O. Gregory. 
44th Indiana, Capt. Jas. F. Curtis. 
51st Indiana, Capt. W. W. Scearce. 
68th Indiana, Lt.-Col. H. J. E.spy. 
8th Kentucky, Lt.-Col. Jas. D. Mayhew. 

' ' BOUNTY-JUMPERS .' ' 

In the summer and fall of 1864, the people became in- 
tensely excited over the draft. Extraordinary efforts were 
made to fill the quotas, by securing volunteers. Large local 
bounties were offered, and the places where the draft was 
yet to occur also strove with each other. Liberal ])Ounties 
were also offered l)y tlie Government, a considera])le install- 
ment of which was paid on the muster of the recruit. 

This unprecedented liberality of the Government and 

local authorities, while it served its intended purpose, by 

promoting genuine enlistments, also ojDened tlie way for a 

vast amount of swindling on the part of spcciilatoi's, and 
15 



226 * FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

systematized fraud by organized consj^irators . The worst 
class of men from Europe and British America, deserters 
from the rebel army, thieves and toughs thronged the re- 
cruiting stations, with a well-assumed display of patriotic 
ardor. They w^ere regularly enlisted, and received their 
advance pay and clothing. In a few hours their uniform 
would be laid aside, they would present themselves at the 
next recruiting station, and again go through the process 
of enlistment, muster and pay under other names, in many 
instances enlisting several times in the various districts in 
the same State. These fellows w^ould in the eye of the law 
"fill the quotas" of wards and townships. The muster- 
rolls exhibited a lot of fictitious names, that, when ordered 
to report for duty, made no response. One officer reported 
389 men, of wdiom more than 200 had deserted almost im- 
mediately after receiving their bounties. Especially in the 
States where larger bounties were paid, an investigation 
showed that thousands of names on the muster-rolls were 
but the various aliases of scoundrels, some of whom had 
enlisted as many as twenty times, receiving in bounties as 
much as $8,000. 

A likely fellow named Pat, was tempted by a large 
bounty to enlist. Some time after, an officer met Pat's 
mother, and inquired how he was getting along. 

"Oh, foine ; he is doin' well, and has got some kind of 
an office . He is sendin ' me a lot o ' money , ' ' was the reply 
of the proud mother. 

"What kind of an office has he got?" 

"Och ! I don't know ; but I belave they do call it the 
leaping of the bounty . ' ' 

Pat was finally caught, and made to serve a long term 
in the penitentiary lor "leaping of the bounty." 

General Hovey, commanding the district, and General 
Carrington, commandant of the draft rendezvous, set to 
work to detect and arrest this class of deserters . A large 
prison was prepared for their reception at the "Soldiers' 



" HO U NT Y- JUMPERS." 227 

Home," and a strong guard was placed about, it. A num- 
ber of them were collected, manacled an4 paraded on the 
streets of Indianapolis, to the tune of "Rogue's March." 
They were then sent to the different commands in the field, 
where they generally embraced the first opportunity to de- 
sert again. 

A court-martial was convened, and a large number of 
the worst bounty-jumpers were sentenced to imprisonment 
for from six months to five years at hard labor. They had 
their heads shaved, and wore a heavy ball and chain, and 
were drummed out of the service at the expii'ation of their 
sentence. 

Among the woi-st of those tried by court-martial, were 
John Doyle, Charles Billingsly, Thomas Ryan, alias John 
Reagan (on the roll of Co. C, 51st Indiana, as "Patrick 
Ryan, mustered in Oct. 21, '64 ; deserted March 28, '65,") 
and Thomas Murry, who had heard in New York that a 
"soft snap" was offered in Indiana, and had gone there to 
secure it. 

Charles Billingsly enlisted in the 7th Indiana Battery, 
from which he deserted, and enlisted again. He was taken 
to Chattanooga and tried by court-martial, was released on 
parole, and deserted and went to Louisville, where he was 
caught. He refused to tell how often he had deserted, but 
substantially admitted a number of times. He confessed 
to the murder of a woman and her child, and was known 
to have used the names of Cooper and Miller as aliases. 

Thomas or Patrick Ryan, or John Reagan, enlisted in 
the Fifty-First, and deserted, bribing the guard to let him 
pass out of the camp. He had received $433.50 in boun- 
ties. When arrested, he declared that he had never been 
in the service , nor enlisted in any regiment ; but he was 
fully identified by Colonel Streight and others. He then 
declared that he had not "jumped the bounty'" more than 
once before ; but it was known that he had admitted to his 
associates that he had "jumped" thirty times. 



228 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Thomas Miirry said he came from London about one 
year previous to jjiis arrest. He enlisted in the 11th Indi- 
ana Cavalry, at Lafayette, and was sent to Indianapolis, to 
Camp Carrington, from which he deserted the first night 
after his arrival, and was arrested in a sleeping-car on the 
way to Chicago. 

They were sentenced to death, and the sentence was 
approved by President Lincoln and by General Hovey, in 
command of the District of Indiana. The sentence of John 
Doyle was suspended by President Lincoln, for ten days ; 
and was afterward changed. 

On the 23d of December, 1864, the other prisoners 
mentioned were shot to death at Camp Burnside, situated 
immediately south of Camp Morton, north of 7th and east 
of Delaware street. The execution was announced to take 
place at 10 o'clock, at which hour about 2,000 soldiers of 
the Veteran Reserve Corps were drawn up, forming three 
sides of a square, the north side, next to Camp Morton, 
being left open. As usual with that class of felons, a Ro- 
mish priest accompanied the condemned prisoners, and 
recited a lot of Latin mvimmery, so full of comfort to mur- 
derers and rascals of that sort, and beliind them came a 
detail of soldiers bearing coffins on their shoulders. They 
marched to the east line, filed nortli, and at the north line, 
on the bank of the State ditch, about six feet high, turned 
west and marched to the middle, halted and faced the sol- 
diers and several thousand peoj)le. The detail of soldiers 
moved off and formed two lines, about ten paces from the 
prisoners and facing them. The rear rank of the firing 
party was the reserve. One-half of the guns were loaded 
with balls and the others with blank cartridges, handed to 
the soldiers by the officer in charge, without their knowing 
which were loaded. The first five on the right were ordered 
to fire at the first prisoner on the right, the second five at 
the second prisoner, and the third five at the third prisoner. 
All were ordered to aim at the hearts of the prisoners, who 



"BOrNTY-.HMPKRS." 229 

were dressed in citizens' clothes. During the reading of 
the order of the court sentencing them to death, the pris- 
oners manifested little or no interest in the document nor 
surroundings. Ryan looked about over the crowd with an 
air of indifference, occasionally glancing over his shoulder 
at the bank in his rear, as if he were expecting something 
from that quarter. At a sign, a non-commissioned officer 
stepped forward, loosened the cords about the arms of each 
prisoner, removed his hat, tied his feet together and set 
him down on his coffin. He then tied a white cloth over 
their eyes, and they awaited their doom. The firing party 
advanced five paces, halted, and in perfect silence brought 
their guns to an aim. Ryan, in the center, threw his head 
back, as if he were trying to see under the bandage. The 
order to "fire" was given by waving a handkerchief. The 
hammers of the guns fell so unitedly, ttat no individual 
sound was distinguished. As the white smoke curled away 
from the guns, Ryan fell squarely back on his coffin, and 
died apparently without moving a muscle. 

This ended a strange and fearful scene, which luid not 
before been witnessed on Indiana soil. One of the most 
impressive features was the presence of about 100 "bounty- 
jumpers," then in confinement at the "Soldiers' Home," 
who were sent out that they might be impressed with the 
enormity of the crime they stood charged with. They were 
placed inside of the line of soldiers, where they had a full 
view of all that occurred. This was a terrible lesson to the 
"bounty-jumpers," and contributed greatly in breaking up 
the infamous business in Indiana. 

About the 1st of November, 1864, during the last levy, 
Colonel Streight was at liome, and received recruits to the 
numl)er of 300 drafted men and substitutes. To these were 
added a number of "bounty-jumpers," who were chained 
together, and marched tlirough the ])rin('ii)al streets of In- 
dianapolis, headed by a large negro, ringing a bell, and 
bearing on liis l)ack tlie inscription "Bounty .lumpers." 



230 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

By order of General Carrington, Lieutenant Scearce took 
command of the entire detachment, and on Noveml)er 6, he 
reported them at Chattanooga. Orders had been issued, 
that any guard permitting one of the chain-gang to escape, 
should take the convict's place. On the way, one of the 
convicts, although manacled, managed to get a car window 
open, and hurled himself through it while the train was in 
rapid motion. Before lie touched the ground, however, the 
guard had observed his escape ; and rushing to the rear 
platform, jumped off into the darkness. Alighting aright, 
he groped about till he found his prisoner, marched him to 
the next station, and on the next train caught up with the 
detachment at Nashville. The chain-gang was turned over 
to the provost marshal at Chattanooga, and immediately 
sent to the front. The drafted men and substitutes were 
distributed among the companies of our regiment. 

In many cases such dishonorable means had been used 
to obtain substitutes by brokers, and by even some of the 
State agents, who in their zeal to line their own pockets, 
overlooked the noble and patriotic object of enlistments, 
that old soldiers felt the disgrace of having these fellows 
dumped unceremoniously into their ranks ; and were not 
slow in evincing their resentment. They knew that patri- 
otism had not sent them there ; and that unjust and unfair 
discrimination had been made against themselves. There 
were, however, some who, after the first scare incident to 
exposure in line of battle, became properly infused with 
the quality of good soldiers, and were always found ready 
for duty at every call. But they never quite attained that 
fraternity acquired by long comradeship ; and to this day 
there remains a strained condition in their relation with 
veterans . 

Our army was also recruited by "100 days" men ; the 
veterans called them "100 years men," and regarded them 
with derision at first. Some called them "Wide-awakes," 
also, referring to a political club during the first Lincoln 



THE "dog-tent." 231 

campaign. These boys were treated kindly, however, and 
many of them made as good soldiers as their time allowed. 
They needed experience ; and some of them got a little of 
that up in East Tennessee, under Burnside. Many a *'10() 
days" boy went out, never to return. 

Captain Hamilton was assigned to the command of 
Co. C, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Captain 
Sheets, and while Lieutenant Dooley was in Libby Prison. 
Captain Sheets had been commissioned Major, but had not 
been mustered in his new position. Our new captain was 
a jolly fellow, and the boys soon learned to like him. 

"dog-tents." 

The introduction of shelter-tents occurred about this 
time , and was a very funny era in our soldier life . There 
was such a sudden shrinkage from the "Sibley" and the 
"wall" and the "Bell," to the diminutive "pup-tent," that 
our proportions could not contract rapidly enough to fit it. 
Besides, it seemed ridiculous to call such a thing a tent. 
The first time we occupied them, the boys acted like a lot 
of lunatics; imitating all sorts of animals, barking like 
dogs, squalling like cats, braying like mules, cackling like 
hens, and crowing like roosters. As soon as dark came, 
one soldier, hidden away in one of these little quarters, 
would yell out : 

"Who stole the doctor's whisky?" 

Away over in another part of the regiment came the 
answer : 

"Jim Landon !" 

"It's an infernal lie ; and I'll shoot the scoundrel that 
says so ! Curt., get out and see who that is," shouted tlie 
grizzled old fifer ; addressing the last sentence to Welslians, 
the drummer boy. But it was useless to try to find the cul- 
prit ; and the victim would retire under a volley of sulxhied 
yells from all directions. 

The soldier would put up his "dog-tent" regar/Jless of 



232 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the location, spread his brush and straw, and then adapt 
his body to the surface, adjusting the conformation of liis 
anatomy to the irregularities of the ground, roots, etc. A 
Fifty-First boy dreamed one night that he was in a hard 
battle, where volleys of musketry were interspersed with 
the crash of batteries. Suddenly a monster shell struck 
directly in front of him , while he was on his back loading ; 
the ball plowed its way under him, and lodged directly be- 
neath him. He felt it under him plainly, and knew that 
in another second it would explode, hurling him into space 
and scattering his remains in a thousand directions. He 
sprang like a cat from the place of danger, and — awoke, 
to find himself in a thick briar-patch , with his tent torn to 
pieces, and a drizzling rain falling. He had made his bed 
over some large roots, and in turning had got his back on 
one of them. His imagination did the rest. 

About the 1st of October, 1864, great excitement pre- 
vailed in all the camps of Indiana soldiers ; and among the 
division and brigade commanders there was considerable 
planning to relieve all Indiana soldiers from detached duty, 
and to furlough them home . Thousands of furloughs were 
issued for a period of fifteen days, which were afterward 
extended to thirty days. These were in usual form, but 
the indorsement included " (To vote) ". To facilitate this, 
transportation was furnished to any point in Indiana. The 
Presidential election was at hand, and the copperhead leg- 
islature of Indiana had made it impossible for her soldiers 
to vote in the field. And the traitors hoped for much in 
that fact ; but the loyal managers circumvented that. The 
presence of the boys at the polls had a wholesome effect on 
the copperheads ; and the honor of Indiana was saved on. 
this occasion, as it was in the field, in the memorable cam- 
paign that followed. 



thp: hood campaign . 233 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 

At 4 o'clock, on the morning of November 13, '64 the 
furloughecl men arrived at Bridge^Dort, x'Vla., where the rest 
of the command had been since October 18, guarding the 
Tennessee River fortifications, about half a mile below the 
town. Three gunboats lay near us, in the river, their dark 
sides and turrets looming above the banks, like so many 
huge monsters. Hood had left Sherman to wend his way 
to the sea, and was swinging around toward us. We felt 
wonderfully encouraged by the glorious victory at the polls, 
and regarded it the precursor of more glorious conclusions 
with rebels in arms. We were eager for it. Nor had we 
long to wait. The 28d Corps, under Schofield, at Resaca, 
was directed to concentrate at Pulaski, and was on its way, 
in the rear of the 4th Corps. On November 5, Schofield, 
Avith the advance of the 23d Corps, arrived at Nashville, 
and was ordered to join the 4th Corps at Pulaski, and to 
assume command of all the troops in that vicinity. 

On November 14, the Fifty-First got orders to prepare 
for marching. Hood was expected to make an attack on 
Chattanooga or Pulaski ; and our regiment was a part of a 
large force lying convenient to either point, and ready to 
rusli promptly to either, when Hood should make liis aj)- 
pearance. We had had very heavy rains at Bridgeport, 
and the river was booming. About all we could do was to 
drill the recruits, which in the dreadfully muddy condition 
of our camp, was very unpleasant. Most of the original 
officers were i)re])aring to be mustered out on December 14, 



234 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

at expiration of service, and the non- veterans expected tO' 
go at the same time. 

Bundling up in a hurry, we proceeded to Nashville at- 
once, where, after a tedious wait till 8 o'clock that evening, 
we started for Pulaski, landing there in mud knee deep, 
with a fine prospect of a battle before morning. Fortu- 
nately for us. Hood was delayed. According to his report, 
he had contemplated a grand flourish, that would astonish 
the world. Going on from his defeat at Atlanta, he says : 

"From Vilianow, the army passed tliiough the gaps in the moun- 
tains and halted at Cross Koads, 9 miles south of Lafayette [about half 
way between C^hattanooga and Rome]. 

After halting two days at Cross Roads, I decided to make provision 
for twenty days' supply ot rations in haversacks and wagons ; to cross 
the Tennessee at or near Guntersville, and again destroy .Siierman's com- 
munications at iStevenson and Bridgeport ; to move on Thomas and tScho- 
tield, and attempt to rout and capture their army before it could reacli 
Nashville, I intended then to march upon that city, where I would sup- 
ply the army and reinforce it if possible, by accessions from Tennessee. 
1 was imbued with the belief that I could accomplish this feat, afterward 
march northeast, pass the Cumberland River, and move into Kentucky. 
In this posidon I could threaten Cincinnati, and recruit the army from 
Kentucky and Tennessee," 

And so on, for quantity. What a wonderful dreamer ! 
Like "Weasel," he would have done something awful and 
desperate — "Ifjjossible!^' There was in Hood a gorge of 
crust with a grudge of filling. He was the victim of mis- 
placed self-confidence ; and discovered , long before he was 
through, that he had bitten off more than he could chew. 
Hood went to Gadsden, where he met Beauregard ; and on 
weighing their combined lu-ain, concluded that they ''were 
not competent to offer pitched battle to Sherman," nor to 
even follow him, lest the movement might be construed 
into another disgraceful retreat, "which would entail de- 
sertions." After two days' deliberation, Beauregard told 
him to go into Tennessee. Hood proceeded to Guntersville, 
where ho intended crossing the river ; but learning that 
Forrest, on whom he depended largely, was near Jackson, 
Tennessee, and could not cross the river, he pushed on ta 



THE HOOD CAMPAIGN. 235 

Florence. This move gave us a chance to straighten up 
at Pulaski, and to have things ready for their reception. 
Special rations of sourkrout , onions and a superior quality 
of bacon were issued to us, and we were happy and defiant. 
Our regiment had recently been recruited, and numbered 
now 951. Capt. Will Scearce was in command of the regi- 
ment ; and felt like making up for his sad experience in 
"Libby." He ordered the erection of "shebangs" from 
the wreckage of houses torn down for fortifications, putting 
up comfortable bunks, and supplying the boys with every- 
thing the country afforded. Patterson, the "skinner," was 
there, to fret our souls ; but even he proved a blessing in 
the end. For, when we had to move, the call was so short 
that he had not time to load his stuff' in his wagons ; so he 
told the boys to help themselves ; which they did. 

Hood, with liis army replenished, and rested up, then 
crossed the Tennessee, and on November 21 was in motion. 
His army consisted of 45,000 infantry, and 12,000 to 15,000 
cavalry. His hope was "by a rapid march to get in rear of 
Schofield's forces, before they were able to reach Duck 
River." The available force of Thomas was less than half 
that of Hood, comprising only about 12,000 under Stanley, 
10,000 under Schofield, about 4,000 cavalry under Hatch,. 
Croxton's brigade of 2,500, and Capron's of 1,200; in all 
about 30,000. The forces engaged in battle, were at least 
three rebels to one Union. 

Hood commenced his move northward fi-oni Florence, 
on parallel roads ; and on the 23d a portion of his force 
took possession of Pulaski, with but little resistance. As 
he advanced, Thomas and Schofield, who were directly in 
the way of his march, covering the approaches to Nashville, 
retreated slowly and in good order in that direction. The 
whole Union force was not yet concentrated ; and the chiefs 
at both Washington and Richmond seemed persuaded that 
it was not likely to be in time to save our little army. But 
Thomas was sufficient for the occasion. He wisely deter- 



'236 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

mined to fight the decisive battle of the campaign with all 
the troops his department could furnish, and as near his 
base as possible. 

As we approached Columbia, Cos. C and I, under com- 
mand of Captain Hamilton, were thrown out as skirmish- 
ers in the neighborhood of the railroad round-house. The 
rebels attacked them, and firing was kept up all night. In 
the morning our skirmishers were driven in, when Cos. B 
and K, commanded by Lieutenants Arnold and Scearce, 
were sent to reinforce them . They drove the rebels back , 
and burned several residences the johnnies had taken ref- 
uge in. While doing this, Sergeant Hurst, of Co. B, went 
to a well to get a drink, when he was shot dead. He was 
taken back and buried in the camp. We held the skirmish 
line during the day, falling back leisurely. Just at night- 
fall, Charles Eaves, of Co. K, received a severe gunshot in 
his thigh. He survived it, however. 

On the 26th, the enemy invested Columbia. Schofield 
commanded the Union rear-guard. An effort was made to 
■cross to the north side of Duck River that night, but failed 
on account of a severe storm and intense darkness. A se- 
vere artillery duel was kept up all the next day, and after 
nightfall our forces accomplished a crossing. The 2Sth was 
passed quietly, but on the morning of the 29th things had 
a very critical appearance. Hood was crossing the river 
above, and was aiming to cut off our retreat to Franklin. 
Great apprehension was felt that we would be unable to 
elude this movement ; and every hour of delay in crossing 
our supply train, was fraught with most painful anxiety. 

As night came on the enemy's line was extended until 
a corps of infantry was in order of battle facing the pike 
on which we had finally got straightened out and were now 
slowly moving. One of the severest tests of the soldier's 
integrity, was in marching with a wagon train. This was 
one of those occasions, our regiment bringing up the rear, 
at that. There was not more than half enough room on 



BY A hair's breadth. 237 

the side of the road to march comfortably ; and we were 
continually being called upon to help lift a wagon out of 
the mud, carrying rails for a long distance often for this 
purpose, prying and heaving, in the cold and rain, alredd}^ 
fatigued from loss of sleep. But the boys plodded on pa- 
tiently ; not realizing the imminent danger that impended. 
It would have been a simple thing for the enemy along the 
pike to press forward a few steps, and sweep our troops, 
artillery and train from the road in utter confusion and 
rout ; yet no interruption was offered by the enemy. The 
rebels were more intent on getting to Nashville before that 
place could be reinforced from other points, probably, and 
believed that they could attend to us afterward. It was 
known that Hood had been crossing all of his cavalry, and 
that they were also conveniently posted so that they could 
have dashed in on us at a dozen points, destroyed our sup- 
X^ly train, and captured the entire force guarding it. The 
troops in our advance had a considerable fight with some 
of this cavalry, and succeeded in driving them otf ; night 
coming on just as the rebel infantry came up to join in. 

A NARROW^ ESCAPE. 

That was a night of exquisite agony and anxious fear, 
to those who knew the state of affairs ; but the unapprised 
were very differently affected. We could see in the sky the 
glare of camp-fires, that always was a cheerful sign to the 
weary tramper, and supposed the advance of our division 
was going into camp a mile or more ahead . The boys were 
therefore making a little more noise than usual in jollying 
each other about what we would have for supjDcr. As the 
night advanced, some became very sleep}'', and occasionally 
one would sit down to rest till the rear-guard came up and 
started them on again. Pickets were stationed at sliort in- 
tervals all along the roadside, within ten steps of where we 
were passing; but, as we thought they were our pickets, 
and the pickets thought we were their troops, no alarm was 



238 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

felt nor created. Occasionally we were accosted by some 
one who had already been in camp, with, 

"Hello! what rijment?" 

"Same old rijment" was the reply. 

Then an officer rode along the line, and in a hoarse 
whisper said : 

"For God's sake, boys, don't open your heads ; there's 
the whole rebel army !" 

This announcement was to us like the opening of the 
eyes of Elisha's servant, among the mountains of Syria. 
There it was, sure enough, spread out all over the hillside, 
for miles, and the fellows who were inquiring "what rij- 
ment?" were the pickets who had just gone on duty. We 
didn't utter a sound ; and there was no more straggling 
that night. Hundreds of tlie wagons had already halted, 
and were being parked at Spring Hill ; the teams were put 
in motion again hastily, and we did not stop till we had 
put a good mile between our pickets and the rebels'. As 
we filed off then to the right, across the fields, each soldier 
took a rail, with which to construct fortifications ; and we 
soon had a good line of defence along our entire front. It 
was one of the times when the boys hankered for picks and 
shovels. They usually didn't. 

Next morning we started quite early, and soon were 
skirmishing with Forrest's cavalry. About 2 miles above 
Spring Hill , at a place where a long grassy slope led up to a 
wooded cove, a body of cavalry numbering about 500 made 
a feint of attacking us. Some of them dashed in and set 
fire to two of our wagons, and then fled. At this juncture 
Lieutenant Baldwin , of the 6tli Ohio Battery, brought up a 
gun, and in half a minute had sighted it and sent a shell 
whizzing into the enemy's midst, the explosion being so ex- 
ceedingly well-timed as to unhorse more than a score of the 
"critter-back" johnnies, and sent the rest skurrying into 
the woods. 



REBEL hood's REPORT. 239 

^Reporf of Bfhel Gen. J. B. Hood. 
[Abbreviated from "Advance and Retreat."] 

"Tlie Federals at Pulaski became alarmed, and by forced marches 
reached Columbia, on Duck River, just in time to prevent our troai)s from 
cutting tliem off. The enemy having formed line of battle around Co- 
lumbia, Lee's corps filed into position with its right on the Mt. Pleasant 
pike; Stewart's formed on Lee's right, his own right flank extending to 
the Pulaski pike; and Cheatham established his left on the latter pike, 
with his right resting on Duck River. Headquarters were estaljlished at 
the residence of Mrs. Warfield, about o miles south of Columbia. The 
two armies Iny opposite each other during the 27th. The Federals being- 
entrenched, I determined not to attack them in their breastworks, if I 
could possibly avoid it, but to permit them to cross undisturi)ed to the 
north bank of Duck River that night, as I supposed they would do; to 
hasten preparations, and endeavor to f)lace the main body of the Confed- 
erate army at Spring Hill, 12 miles directly in the enemy's rear, and 
about mid-way on the only pike leading to Franklin ; to attack as the 
Federals retreated, and put to rout and capture, if possible, their army, 
whicl» was the sole obstacle between our forces and Nashville — in truth, 
the only barrier to the success of the campaign. 

[Strange, that such a little thing as an army should 
be "the only obstacle" to their success! That seemed to 
be the chief trouble at Atlanta, too. In fact, tlie disgrace- 
ful and humiliating failure of the entire Southern slaveoc- 
racy, and the removal of the stain and stench of the inhu- 
man system on whicli it was based and fed, was due to the 
same "obstacle" — the loyal army.] 

I was confident that after Schofleld had crossed the river, and placed 
that obstruction between our respective armies, he would feel in .security, 
and would remain in his position at least a sufficient length of time to 
allow me to throw pontoons across the river about 3 miles above his left 
flank, and b^' a bold and rapid march, together with heavy demonstra- 
tions in his front, gain his rear l)efore he was fully apprised of my object. 
As I apprehended unnecessary and fatal delay might be occasioned by 
the appearance of tlie enemy on the line of march to the rear, I decided 
to bridge the river that night, and move at dawn the next morning, and 
to leave Lee with the bulk of the artillery to demonstrate heavily against 
Schofleld, and follow him if he retired. I resolved to go in person at the 
head of the advance brigade, and lead the army to Spring Hill. Col. 
Presman and liis assistants laid the pontoons during tiie night of the 28th, 
about 3 miles above Columbia. 1 passed over the bridge soon after day- 
break, and moved forward at the head of a Texas l)rigade, with instruc- 
tions that the remaining corps and divisions follow. Gen. Forrest had 



240 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

crossed the evening previous, and moved to the front and right. During 
the march tlie Federal cavah-y appeared on the hills to our left ; not a 
moment, liovvever, was lost on that account, as the army was marching 
by the riglit flank, and was prepared to face at any instant in their direc- 
tion. The troops moved in light marching order, my object being to turn 
the enemy's flank by marching rapidly on roads parallel. When T had 
gotten well on h'm flank, tlie enemy discovered my intention. The cav- 
alry became engaged near Spring Hill, but the trains were so strongly 
guarded, that they were unable to break through them. No attention 
was paid to tlie enemy, save to throw out a few sharp-sJiooters in his 
front. 1 well knew that to stop and lose time in reconnoiterlng would 
defeat my object, which was to reach the enemy's rear, and cut him oft 
from Nashville. 1 also knew tliat Sehofield was occupied in his front, 
since I could distinctly hear the roar of Lee's artillery at Columbia, 
whilst a feint was made to cross the river. Thus I led the main body of 
the army to within 2 miles and in full view of the pike from Columbia 
to Spring Hill and Franklin. I here halted about 3 p. ^r., and requested 
Gen. Cheatham, commanding the leading corps, and ^Nlajor Gen. Clai- 
burne to advance to the spot where, sitting upon my horse, I had in sight 
the enemy's wagons and men passing at double-quick along the Frank- 
lin pike. As these officers approached, I spoke to Cheatham in the fol- 
lowing words, which I quote almost verbatim, as they have remained 
indelibly engraved upon my memory ever since that fatal day: 'Gen- 
eral, do you see the enemy there, retreating rapidly to escape us?' He 
answered in the affirmative. ' Go,' I continued, 'with your corps, take 
possession and hold that pike at or near Spring Hill. Accept whatever 
comes, and turn all those wagons over to our side of the house.' Then 
addressing Claiburne, I said, ' General, you have heard the orders just 
given. You have one of my best divisions. Go with Gen. Cheatham, 
assist him in every way you can, and do as he directs.' Again, as a part- 
ing injunction to them, I added, ' Go ami do tiiis at once. Stewart is 
near at hand, and I will have him double-quick his men to the front.' 

They immediately sent staff otfleers to hurry t!ie men forward, and 
moved off with their troops at a quick pace in tiie direction of the enemy, 
I dispatched several of my staff to the rear, with orders to Stewart and 
Johnson to make all possible haste. Within about one-half hour from 
tile time Cheatham left me, skirmishing began with the enemy, when I 
rode forward to a point nearer the pike, and again sent a staff officer to 
Stewa t and Johnson to push forward. At tliis junctiu-e the messenger 
returned with the report that the road had not been taken possession of. 
By this hour twilight was upon us, when (Ten. Cheatham rode up in per- 
son. I at once directed Stewart to halt, and turning to Cheatham, I 
exclaimed with deep emotion, as I felt tlie golden opportunity fast slip- 
ping from me, 'General, why in the name of God have you not attacked 
the enemy, and taken possession of that pike?' He replied tliat the line 
looked a little too long for him. I could hardly believe it possible that 



BATTLE OF FRANKLIN. 241 

this brave old soldier would make such a report. After leading liim in 
full view of tile enemy, retreating in great haste and confusion, I would as 
soon have expected midday to turn to darkness, as for him to disobey my 
orders. Darkness soon eloseil up(jn us, and Stewart's corps, after much 
annoyance, went into bivouac for the night, near but not across the pike, 
at about 11 or 12 o'clock. It was reported to me after this hour that the 
enemy was marching along the road, almost under the campfires of the 
main bodj^ of the army. Tiie Federals with immense wagon trains were 
permitted to march by us the remainder of the night, witliin gunshot of 
our lines. One good division could have routed the enemy which was at 
Spring Hill, making it an easy matter to capture Schofield's armj' that 
afternoon and the ensuing day." 

The best move in my career as a soldier, T was thus destined to be- 
hold come to naught. The army, after a forward march of 180 miles, was 
still, seemingly', unwilling to accept battle unless under the protection of 
breastworks. •■■ * * * 

[That's right. He should not have been surprised at 
it, though, as it was a well known characteristic of the en- 
tire rebel army.] 

I hereupon decided, before the enemy would be able to reach his 
stronghold at Nashville, to overtake and drive him in the Big Harpetli 
river at Franklin, 18 miles from Spring Hill." 

The danger we passed through that night will not be 
easily forgotten. It was like awakening from a horrible 
nightmare, and the boys shudder as they look back on our 
situation then. Nor was the danger past when we arrived 
at Spring Hill. There were 800 wagons, including artil- 
lery and ambulances, that had to pass singly over a bridge,, 
and it was 5 o'clock a. m. when the last wagon crossed. 

BATTLE OF FRANKLIN. 

The head of the column reached Franklin at daylight, 
November 30, but the rear-guard did not arrive until late 
in the afternoon ; finding the 23d Corps occupying some 
hastily constructed works ; our troops joining their right, 
in a line running southeast, both flanks resting on Harpeth 
River. Wood's division crossed on the railroad bridge, so 
as to be ready to support either flank, in case the rebels at- 
tempted a turn . The line rested on a slight elevation , and 
constructed breastworks, with additional abattis in places. 
16 



242 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

The cavalry was posted on both sides of the town, on the 
north bank. The artillery of the 23d CorjDS crossed to the 
north side, while that of the 4th Corps remained on the 
south side, some batteries being in the line, and others in 
reserve. The position was a good one for defence. 

Schofield's object in making a stand here, was simply 
to detain Hood until the trains could be crossed safely over 
Harpeth River, and well on their way to Nashville. That 
of Hood was to overwhelm Schofield, compel the sacrifice 
of his artillery and stores, and then to secure possession of 
Nashville. His men were encouraged by the immediate 
prospect of looting that city, and then making a complete 
sweep to the Ohio River. He hurried up his troops, there- 
fore, and massed them behind a screen of thick woods in a 
line almost parallel with the Union line, and extending to 
the river, on the east, where Forrest crossed his guerrillas, 
but was held in splendid check by Wilson's cavalry. This 
was done so rapidly that Schofield was almost surprised. 

The enemy advanced with two corps heavily massed on 
the Columbia road, and one corps in reserve, meeting with 
little resistance ; Wagner's two brigades, in their immedi- 
ate front, having been instructed to check them without 
involving our army in a general engagement. Slowly our 
skirmishers retreated to their works, exchanging a sharp 
fire with those of the enemy ; then came a terrific outburst 
of artillery, and the entire line of rebel skirmishers rushed 
forward, quickly followed by the massive lines of Cheat- 
ham and Stewart, four deep. They met the first resistance 
in these two brigades, that withstood them with great per- 
sistency, till compelled to retire. It was about 3 : 30 p. m. 
when the rebel skirmishers began moving, and the battle 
from that on was a succession of ferocious assaults, bloody 
hand-to-hand struggles and horrid scenes of carnage and 
destruction that beggar description. With terrible yells of 
confident victory, the thirsty rebels came on ; our lines fall- 
ing back in most perfect order, indicating the presence of 



EATTLE OF FRANKLIN. 243 

veterans , without whom the rebels would have swept every- 
thing before them. No oth^r troops of like proportion in 
numbers, could withstand such charges. They wefe like 
the sturdy, well-rooted oak in the grapple of a cyclone. At 
length one of Cheatham's divisions gained the outworks 
held by Wagner, and forced him back on the stronger lines 
held by Cox and Ruger. The rebels then reformed their 
lines, and again rushed on ; and after a most desperate and 
bloody contest , penetrated the second line of defenses , cap- 
turing two guns. The impetuosity of this charge swept 
both Union and rebel forces clear over the fortifications. 
In a moment thousands of Union and rebel soldiers were 
mixed in an almost inextricable mass, each side demanding 
the surrender of the otlier. The situation had become crit- 
ical in the last degree. Bayonets and swords and pistols 
were freely used , and guns were clubbed . This contest did 
not last more than twenty minutes, but it resulted in half 
of the entire loss on both sides ; and with the clashing of 
arms and the yelling of the combatants, it was an accumu- 
lated pandemonium. At this supreme moment, Opdycke's 
brigade, of AVarren's division, which had been in reserve, 
was ordered forward, with Conrad's brigade, in support. 
Opdycke's voice was immediately heard, ringing clear and 
loud above the tumult. Passing down on the north side of 
the Carter House on foot, with a revolver in each hand, he 
shouted to his command : 

"First brigade, forward to the works !" 

His brave men responded promptl}^ to the call. On 
they went, with firm and steady step ; with crushing weight 
they fell upon the exultant rebel columns. Having emp- 
tied his revolvers, Opdycke seized a musket, and fought till 
victory was gained, and the rebels not only checked, but 
driven back with fearful slaughter. 

The break through the center of the Union lines was 
closed, and the assault repelled from one end of llie line to 
the other. By this our works and guns were recovered, 



244 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

and 400 prisoners and 10 battle-flags captured . Again and 
again, in four successive assaults, Hood flung his hungry 
men, as if with the energy of despair, on the now compact 
Union lines ; but all in vain. The recaptured artillery, 8 
pieces, were again turned on the rebels, while sheet upon 
sheet of flame sprang with certain aim from the veterans, 
whose soldierly instincts led them unbidden to anticipate 
the wishes of their brave commander. And as he dashed 
into the breach, each gallant comrade shouted, "We can 
go where the general can ! ' ' Four regimental commanders 
fell in the charge, but other officers of equal ability and 
zeal were ready to take their places. From that time on, 
we held the line, until the entire place was evacuated in 
excellent order during the early hours of the next morning. 
It was midnight before the sounds of musketry and artil- 
lery had ceased. 

That battle stands without an equal in the history of 
the world, in the number and vigor of its oft-repeated re- 
pulses — bloody, ferocious, impetuous and terrible ; and its 
effect was most plainly visible upon every part of the rebel 
service. Cleburne, who was a dashing officer, and one of 
Hood's most capable division commanders, doubtless with 
a desire to repair his gross mistake at Spring Hill, led his 
repeated assaults with the expression of frenzied vengeance 
and valor, his men following him to the very points of the 
Union bayonets, and falling with him upon the parapet in 
front of Opdycke's brigade. The moral eff'ect of this fight 
on the rebel rank and file, may be judged by the following, 
from an old rebel soldier who fought under Pat. Cleburne 
on that awful day : 

" We were awake early the next morning to discover that the Yan- 
kees had crossed the river during the night, and were probably well on 
their way towards Nashville. We were glad they were gone. Hood 
seemed to be stupefied at the disaster that had befallen us. He allowed 
his discouraged army to remain in camp by that bloody battlefield. The 
repeated disasters we had encountered under Hood had dampened our 
ardor. The unwise rambling of our men over the battlefield of Franklin 



BATTLE OF FRANKLIN. 245 

broke their spirit. We eould not tight at Nasliville. We lost tliat tight 
because the specter of Franklin, livid, with distorted features, with blood- 
streaming wounds, with ghastly, horror-stricken eyes, stalked among us. 
It was in the columns as we marched; it rode astride of tlie Napoleons; 
it sat by our camp-fires; it stood in the trenches at Nashville, and it lay 
in the rifle-pits o' nights." 

The Union losses were great, but were not to be com- 
pared with those of the enemy. This is more wonderful, 
when it is remembered that, beside the rebels having near 
or quite three times our numbers, our troops had had no 
rest in the 48 hours preceding the battle. They were not 
too tired to do the honors of the occasion. Cheatham was 
correct in thinking our line was ''too long for him." 

Hood's Report of the Franklin Fight. 
"Within about 3 miles of Franklin, the enemy was discovered on 
the ridge over which passes the turnpike. It was about 3 p. m. [Nov. 30] 
Avhen Stewart moved to the right of the pike and began to establish his 
position in front of the enemy. Cheatham filed off to the left of the 
road; the artillery was instructed to take no part in the engagement, on 
account of the danger to which women and children in the village would 
be exposed ; Forrest was ordered to post cavalry on both flanks, to cap- 
ture those who attempted to escape ; Lee's corps was held in reserve. 
Tile two corps advanced in battle array about 4 p. m., and soon swept 
away the first line of the Federals, who were driven back upon the main 
line. At this moment resounded a concentrated roar of musketry, which 
recalled tome some of the deadliest struggles in Virginia; the contest 
continued to rage with intense fury. Just at this critical moment, a brig- 
ade, reported to be Stanley's, gallantly charged and restored the Federal 
line, capturing at the same time 1,00U of our troops. Still the ground was 
obstinately contested, and at several points on the immediate sides of the 
breastworks, the combatants entieavored to use the musket on each other, 
by inverting and raising it perpendicularly, in order to fire ; neither being 
able to retreat without almost a certainty of death. It was reported that 
soldiers were even dragged from one side of the breastworks to the other 
by reaching over and seizing tlie enemy by the hair or collar. * The 
struggle continued till 9 P. M., when followed skirmishing till 3 a. m. the 
ensuing morning. Our loss in killed, wounded and prisoners 

was 4,500." 

According to Van Home, [vol. ii, p. 202,] the Fourth 
Corps alone expended one hundred wagon-loads of ammu- 
nition in this battle. Hood buried 1,750 men on the field. 
He had 8,800 so disabled as to be placed in hospitals, and 



246 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

lost 702 captured ; an aggregate of 6,252, exclusive of those 
slightly wounded. General Schofield lost 189 killed, 1,033 
wounded, and 1,104 missing; an aggregate of 2,326. 

Gen. T.J. Wood's division retained its position, near 
the railroad bridge, until the rest of the troops had with- 
drawn ; then, destroying the bridges, they followed as the 
rear-guard of the array, the Fifty-First Indiana bringing 
up the extreme rear, with Wilson's cavalry on its flanks, 
and with which they were able to beat back the head of the 
rebel column. With the exception of a little skirmish at 
Brentwood, a little more than half w^ay between Franklin 
and Nashville, they gave us no trouble on the way. 

When we arrived at Nashville, about 1 p. m., Thurs- 
day, December 1, '64, the Union line of battle was formed 
on the hights immediately surrounding that city. A. J. 
Smith's corps from the Army of the Tennessee, which had 
arrived just the day before, held the right, with its flank 
touching the river below the city. The 23d Corps, under 
General Schofield, was assigned to the left, extending to 
the Nolinsville pike; Gen. T. J. Wood, commanding the 
4th Corps, occupied the center, opposite Montgomery Hill. ' 
Wilson's cavalry was directed to take position on the left 
of Schofield ; which would make safe the interval between 
his left and Cumberland River above the city. Steedman 
took up a position about a mile in advance of the left cen- 
ter of the main line , and on the left of the Nolinsville pike . 

And ''Old Pap" Thomas directing it all. 

On the 3d, General Thomas moved all the remaining 
cavalry to Gallatin and across the river to Edgefield, and 
then Steedman covered the space between Schofield and 
the river. 

At the same time Hood approached the city, drove in 
our outposts, and on the 4th established his main line, with 
his salient on Montgomery Hill, directly facing the Fifty- 
First, and within 600 yards of our center. His main line 
occupied the high ground on tlie southeast side of Brown's 



i 



"just before the battle, mother." 247 

Creek, and extending from the Nolinsville pike — his ex- 
treme right, across tlie Franklin and Granny White pikes, 
in a westerly direction to the hills south and southwest of 
Richland Creek, and down that creek to the Hillsboro pike, 
with cavalry and guerrillas extending from both flanks to 
the river. Artillery opened on him from several points on 
the line, without eliciting any response. With this dispo- 
sition of his troops. Hood began to intrench vigorously, 
and continued so to do up to the morning of the 15tli, with 
little or no change. 

JUST before the battle. 

Friday, December 2, the paymaster visited us, and we 
received two months' pay, with the addition, to "veterans," 
of the installment of bounty due. We were also cheered 
by the wonderful good fortune tliat had attended us during 
our retreat from Pulaski, and by the announcement that 
heavy reinforcements were coming. Each day we looked 
for an attack, and increased vigilance was observed to pre- 
vent surprise by Hood, who had sworn to eat his Christmas 
dinner in Nashville or in hell. He found it convenient, 
however, to place the Tennessee River between himself and 
his "only obstacle" before he hung up his stocking. 

AVe had many good singers in our regiment ; and there 
was no trouble to scare up a full orchestra on any occasion, 
when opportunity offered, and the instruments could be ob- 
tained. But our voices we had with us all tlio time ; and 
wlien in camp or on the march, it was no uncommon thing 
for one to start a song, and then for the whole regiment to 
join in the chorus. Indeed, it became necessary at times, 
when crossing a bridge that was a little shaky, to make the 
hoys stop singing, and break step, because the swinging 
motion given to the bridge by keeping time, tlireatened to 
tear the structure down. But let us get into camp I'arly on 
a pleasant afternoon, with no enemy in close proximity, 
with wood and water and good rations plenty and batidy — 



248 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

just as we were then ; listen to tlie boys, as they broiled a 
slice of bacon or beef on a forked stick, or boiled a fruit-can 
pot of coffee. No one had to be led up to the piano, nor 
apologized about a sore throat, nor waited for an invitation 
or somebody to lead off. Each one was a master ; and the 
less melody or mellowness a voice possessed, the greater 
reason it seemed for cultivating it. A thought would come 
into a comrade's mind, of how pretty the old flag looked as 
it floated out in front of headquarters, and instantly, 
" O, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, 
What so proudly we hailed in the twilight's last gleaming? " 

rang out loud and clear ; iriingling its patriotic incense 
with the delicious fumes of the coffee and bacon. Then, 
as the moon came out and moved serenely across the clear 
sky, some love-sick swain, who had just received a letter 
from his sweetheart, would break forth in 

" Roll on, silver moon ; guide the traveler on his way ; 

While the nightingale's song is in tune. 
For I never, never more with my true love will stray 

By the sweet silver light of the moon." 
And how sadly true this proved with many. Or another, 
filled with a hopeful longing for the sweet H^osier girl that 
occupied the bulk of his heart, would launcli out with 

" O h ! that girl, that girl, that pretty little girl ; 

The girl I left behind me ! " 
And wind up with an attempt to reproduce it with his feet, 
or land the toe of his bootee into the anatomy of some 
good-natured comrade, to whom he would confide the fond 
assurance that she was the nicest girl in Indiana, and tell 
him enough of the contents of her last letter to prove it. 
Over in the next company you might hear 

"Dearest love, do you remember, when we last did meet, 
How you told me that you loved me, kneeling at my feet? 
Oh, how proud you stood before me, in your suit of blue; 
When you vowed to me and country ever to be true. 
Weeping sad and lonely : 

Hopes and fears how vain ! 
Praying, when this cruel war is over. 
Praying we may meet again." 



POPULAR WAR .SONGS. 249 

While another, snugged down in his dog-tent, stretched out 
on the flat of his back, contemplating the "grand and awful 
time" in which we were living, his sweet rich voice would 
breathe the noble sentiment of 

"A thousand years, my own Columbia ! 

' Tis tlie glad day so long foretold ; 
' Tis the glad morn, whose early twilight 

Washington saw in days of old." 

Another took his pipe from his lips long enough to hum, 

" Maxwelton braes are bonnie, where early falls the dew; 
And ' twas there that Annie Laurie gave uie her promise true." 

w^hen he was probably broken into by 

" Brave boys are they ! gone at their country's call ; 
And yet, and yet, we cannot forget, that many brave boys must fa^l." 

Down the quarters strides a little fellow, with his cap 
to one side, who rings out with 

" Say, darkies, hab you seed de massa, 

Wid de muftash on his face? 
He pack his trunk dis mawnin' mighty airly. 

Like he gwine to leab de place." 

Instantly he would be joined by a hundred jolly fellows in 

the chorus : 

" Ole massa run, ha! ha! 

De darkies stay, ho ! ho ! 
It mus' be now de kingdom's eomin'. 
An' de yeah ob jubilo ! " 

These were all popular songs of those days, and were 

sung in all the theatres and opera halls all over the world. 

One of the most popular was "Babylon has fallen," whicli 

■came out about the time the negro was introduced in the 

solution of his social and commercial relation to the rest 

of humanity It took like hot cakes, and was used much 

in retaliation for such venomous and insulting songs as 

"Bonnie Blue Flag," which was sung by all rebel women 

■whenever occasion offered : 

^' Don't you see de black cloud rising ober yender, 

Whar de massa's ole plantation am ? 
x^^eber you be frightened ; dem is only darkies, 

Come to jine an' fight for Uncle Sam ! 



250 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Chorus: Look out, dar, now; we's gwine to shoot! 
Look out, dar; don't you understand? 
Babylon is fallen ! Babylon is fallen ! 
An' we's gwine to occupy de land. 

Don't you see de lightnin' flashin' in de cane-brake. 

Like as if we's gwine to hab a storm? 
No ! you is mistaken ; 'tis de darkles' bay'nets, 

An' de buttons on dar uniform. — Chorus. 

'Way up in de cornfieP, whar you near de thunder; 

Dar is our ole fort^ -pounder gun ; 
When de shells is missin', den we load wid puukins; 

All de same to make de cowards run. — Chorus. 

And nowadays, when you w^ant to stir the old boys, as 
nothing else will, just start 

"Bring the good old bugle, bovs ; we'll have another song : 
Sing it witli tlie spirit that will start the world along : 
Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong, 
Willie we were marching through Georgia. 
Chorus: Hurrali ! hurrah! we bring the jubilee ! 

Hurrah ! hurrah ! the flag that makes you free ! 

So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea, 

While we were marching through Georgia. 

How the darkies shouted, when the.y heard the joyful sound ! 

How tlie turkeys gobbled, which our eommissiiry found ! 

How tiie sweet potatoes even started from tlie ground ! 

While we were marching through Georgia. — Chorus. 

Yes, and tliere were Union men who wept witli joyful tears. 
When Ihey saw the honored flag tliey had not seen for years: 
Hardly could they be restrained from breaking forth in cheers! 
While we were mareliing through Georgia. — Chorus. 

Sherman's dashing Yankee boys will never reach the coast! 
So the saucy rebels said ; and 't was a handsome boast. 
Hai they not forgot, alas! to reckon witli the host? 

While we were marching tlirougii Georgia. — Chorus. 

So we made a thoroughfare for freedom and her tram, 
Sixty miles in latitude, three hundred to the main ; 
Treason fled before us; for resistance was in vain. 

While we were marching through Georgia. — Chorus. 

General Sherman heard that so often, that he came to 

almost hate it ; and the writer has seen him turn wdth an 

expression of disgust, as band after band, followed by every 

variety of drum-corps, each shifting hastily, and sometimes 



POPULAR WAR SONGS. 251 

awkwardly, from no matter what they were phaying, to the 
air of "Marching through Georgia;" which each of course 
intended as a personal compliment to "old Tecump." In 
Boston, where, at the National Encampment of the G. A. 
R., he stood in review for seven mortal hours, listening to 
the endless din, 250 bands and more than a hundred drum- 
corps passed him ; the dying notes of the last band fairly 
dove-tailing into those of the next, playing that same tune. 
It is said that the old general got so mad, that he swore a 
big oath that he never would attend another Encampment, 
until every band in the United States had signed an agree- 
ment to not play that tune in his presence. That was his 
last National Encampment. When next it was played in 
his presence, it was as a dead march accompanying his fu- 
neral cortege. 

The most popular of all the army songs, however, was 
"Johnny, fill up the bowl." It ran as follows : 
"In eigliteen hundred and sixty-one, 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-oiie, 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-one, 
The war had then but just begun ; 
And we'll all drink stone-blind : 

Johnny, till up the bowl I 
In eighteen hundred and sixty- two. 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-two. 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-two, 
Tliey first began to put us through ; 
And we'll all drink stone-blind : 

Johnny, fill up the bowl ! 
In eighteen bunded and sixty-three. 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-three, 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-three, 
Abe Lincoln set the niggers free; 
And we'll all drink stone-blind : 
Johnny, till u|) tlie bowl ! 



252 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

In eighteen hundred and sixty-four, 

Wo bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-four, 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty -four. 
We all went in for three years more; 
And we'll all drink stone-blind : 

Johnny, fill up the bowl ! 

In eighteen hundred and sixty-five. 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-five, 

So bold ! so bold ! 
In eighteen hundred and sixty-five 
We'll all be glad to get home alive; 
And we'll all drink stone-blind : 

Johnny, fill up the bowl ! 

While this was being sung, some one would chime in 
with "So, ball ! so, ball !" Next time, another would ring- 
out, "Sow-belly ! sow-belly !" and another, "S'boy ! s'boy !" 
and so on ; till every change was rung on the refrain. As 
to this intoxication, however, it was a fantastic fiction ; the 
only flowing bowl the average soldier ever had "filled up" 
for him by "Johnny," or by anybody else, being a rusty 
old tin-cup, with a gill of the nastiest kind of commissary 
whisky, so loaded with quinine, that the victim would howl 
with agony before the contents fairly touched his stomach ; 
and he seldom repeated it. 

All this time, our mothers and wives and sisters and 
sweethearts at home were doing their part. In addition to 
the packing and forwarding of nice boxes of creature com- 
forts, lint and bandages, they were wielding a powerful 
moral influence, which held the cowardly copperheads in 
check. One letter told about a young fellow, who, having 
served three years, and also through the "hundred days" 
service, was present at a copperhead meeting in the town 
where he lived. On their way home, four of the copper- 
heads gave notice that they were going over to "clean him 
out." Accordingly they went ; but he was prepared for 
them, and shot two of them ; killing one, and badly crip- 



JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE. 25^^ 

pling the other. The soldier boy was arrested, tried and 
acquitted. The ladies paid his attorney's fee; and that 
night gave the grandest party that was ever known in that 
locality, in his honor. There was a world of cheer to us at 
the front, in reports of such doings at home, which assured 
us that our interests were regarded with sacred devotion I)y 
our noble women. 

Picket duty in front of Nashville was attended with 
unusual danger, as the rebels were continually on the alert 
for any surprise, and would shoot at anything that had tlie 
appearance of a Yankee. Corporal Calvin Dickerson, on 
picket on the 9th or 10th, received a shot that went clear 
through both legs, just below the knees. He was a non- 
veteran, and his time would have expired on the 14th. 

Lieut. Geo. W. Scearce declared it was the hottest job 
he ever undertook. He was ordered to take Co. K, join 
the skirmishers in front, take command, and drive off the 
rebels, who were building fortifications right in our front. 
On reconnoitering, the lieutenant reported to Col. Streight 
that the rebels were too many for him. Colonel Streight 
then sent his orderly, George Gregg, with orders for them 
to lie down, and fall back under cover of darkness. This 
was the only thing that could be done, as there was a con- 
tinuous sheet of flame blazing along the entire line as they 
went up. Great was the surprise, when tlie men reported 
in camp that night, on discovering that not a single man 
was hurt. The suspense during the hours they lay on that 
bare moor, waiting for night, was something terrible. 

In the reorganization of our brigade, we were placed 
with the 8th Kansas ; and the Fifty-First still lacking in 
commissioned officers. Lieutenants Slemmens and Sclmltz, 
of that command, were assigned to duty in our regiment, 
the former in command of Co. A, and the latter of Co. F. 
They were both brave and efficient officers, and won the 
confidence of our own brave boys whom they led in tlie 
storm of battle that soon came. 



254 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



THE BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 

General Thomas had been waiting impatiently for an 
opportunity to attack Hood, and punish him for his temer- 
ity. He had hoped to be ready for battle on the 7th, but 
on account of delay in remounting the cavalry, he was not 
ready until the 9th ; and then, there came a heavy rain, 
accompanied by a cold wave, that covered the hills around 
Nashville with a coat of ice, that prevented any military 
movements on either side, and rendered a battle an utter 
impossibility. Reconnoisances on the lltli and 13th, made 
it plain that infantry could only move with extreme diffi- 
culty, while horses had to be expressly shod for the slippery 
surface. A knowledge of this fact — that was also manifest 
to every veteran in the ranks, prompted General Thomas' 
refusal to comply with an order from General Grant, in the 
far-away city of Annapolis, Maryland, to attack without 
waiting longer for weather or reinforcements. For this, 
Grant ordered his removal from command, naming Scho- 
field as his successor. On the 13th, Gen. John A. Logan, 
who was at St. Louis, was also ordered to relieve Thomas ; 
and on the 15tli, Grant reached Washington, on his way to 
take command in person. To the old boys who had been 
fighting and marching under "Old Pap" Thomas so long, 
and who they had learned to regard as "the noblest Roman 
of them all," these orders appeared spectacular and useless. 

The morning of the 14th was indeed a bleak one for 
that latitude. Everything was covered with ice an inch 
thick, as far as the eye could reach, and walking was still 
extremely difficult and dangerous. The week previous had 
been well employed by General Thomas in reinforcing both 
cavalry and infantry ; and he was also well informed as to 
the disposition of the enemy. By noon the weather had 
so moderated and the ice thawed, that the commander de- 
termined to attack the next morning; and at 3 p. m., he 
called his corps commanders together to announce to them 



BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 255 

liis plan of operation, and to instruct them in the specific 
part he desired each should take. After thorough deliber- 
ation, the following special field order was issued : 

"As soon as the state of the weather will admit of offensive opera- 
tions, the troops will move against the enemy's position in the following 
order : 

Major-General A. J. >Sniith, commanding detachment of the Army 
of the Tennessee, after forming his troops on and near the Harding pike, 
in front of his present position, will make a vigorous assault on the ene- 
my's left. 

Major-General Wilson, commanding the cavalry corps, Military Di- 
vision of Mississippi, with three divisions, will move on and support Gen- 
eral Smith's right, assisting as far as possible in carrying the left of the 
enemy's position, and be in readiness to throw his force upon the enemy 
tlie moment a favorable opportunity occurs. Major-General Wilson will 
also send one division on the Ciiarlotte pike, to clear that road of the en- 
emy, and observe in the direction of Bell's landing, to protect our right 
rear until the enemy's position is fairly turned, when it will rejoin the 
main force. 

Brigadier-General T. J. Wood, co nmanding Fourth Corps, after 
leaving a strong skirmish line in his works from Lawi'ens' Hill to his ex- 
treme right, will form the remainder of the Fourth Corps on the Hillsboro 
pike to support General Smitli's left, and operate on the left and rear of 
the enemy's advanced position on Montgomery Hill. 

Major-General Schofield, commanding Twenty-third Army Corps, 
will replace Brigadier-General Kimball's division of the Fourth Corps 
with his troops, and occupy the trenches from Fort Negley to Lawrens' 
Hill with a strong skirmish line. He will move with the remainder of 
his force in front of the works, and co-operate with General Wood, pro- 
tecting the hitter's left flank against an attack by the enemy. 

Major-General Steedman, commanding District of Etowah, will oc- 
cupy the interior line in rear of his present jwsition, stretching from the 
reservoir on the Cumberland River to Fort Negley, with a strong skir- 
mish line, and mass the remainder of his force in its present position, to 
act according to the exigencies which may arise during these operations. 

Brigadier-General Miller, with troops forming the garrison of Nash- 
ville, will occupy the interior line from tlie battery on hill 210, to the 
extreme right, including the inclosed work on the Hyde's Ferry road. 

The quartermaster's troops, under the command of Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Donaldson, will, if necessary, be posted on the interior line from Fort 
Morton to the battery on hill 210. 

The troops occupying the interior line will be under the direetiou of 
Major-General Steedman, who is charged with the immediate defence of 
Nashville during the operations around the city. 

Should the weather permit, the troops will be formed to commence 



256 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

operations at 6 A. M. on the 15th, or as soon thereafter as practicable." 

General Thomas modified this order by directing Gen.. 
Steedman to make a strong feint against the enemy's right, 
so as to lead Hood to bring still more of his troops to that 
wing, and to divert his attention from the dominant move- 
ment against the enemy's left. It was Thomas' intention 
then to mass the Union forces against the enemy's reduced 
left, to overwhelm it, break his line, roll it back upon the 
center, and if possible crush both. This was his plan for 
the first day's fight ; on the second he proposed to break 
down Hood's right, and either envelope and capture his 
army, or shatter and rout it so thoroughly as to completely 
destroy its organization, and send it in ignominious flight 
beyond the Tennessee. How nearly prophetic his calcula- 
tions were, the history of that campaign tells. 

The weather and ice, that had prevented offensive op- 
erations on our part, also barred all activity of the rebels; 
who, deeming it impossible to successfully assault the army 
intrenched before Nashville, meditated a movement around 
the city. Hood evidently liad no idea of General Thomas' 
intention ; and must have been greatly astonished when he 
beheld on that cheerless morning of the 15th, the threat- 
ening attitude of the host that confronted him. 

At 4 A. M. on the 15th, the provisional division formed 
from various organizations of Sherman's army, commanded 
by General Cruft, moved forward and relieved the 4th and 
23d Corps, and occupied their exterior line of works. Gen. 
T. J. Wood formed the 4th Corps with the 2d Division on 
the right, commanded by General Elliott ; 1st Division in 
the center, commanded by General Kimball ; and the 3d 
Division, commanded by General Beatty, on the left. The 
formation was in double battle-line ; the first deployed, and 
the second in column, by division, opposite the intervals in 
the first. The front was covered with a line of skirmish- 
ers, and a similar force remained in the works in the rear. 

As the sun arose, a dense fog was formed, that liung 



1 



BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 257 

over the two armies till nearly noon, when it lifted, reveal- 
ing to the rebel commander the handwriting on the wall — 
that the time of his defeat and humiliation was at hand. 

When the combination to turn Hood's left was com- 
pleted. General Thomas sent a message to General Steed- 
man to advance, in semblance of actual assault. This was 
done, and the charge on the enemy's works was gallantly 
made. Hood was so deceived, that he drew troops from 
his center and left to strengthen his seemingly endangered 
flank. Soon after this action, the forces on the opposite 
flank moved forward on the Harding and Hillsboro roads ; 
both movements being attended with success almost phe- 
nomenal. Then Schofield and Smith advanced their lines. 

The action of the 4th Corps was, if possible, even more 
successful. On it depended the most important reffeults ; 
and true to its record, it performed the part assigned in a 
manner that evoked the highest praise. 

In the preparatory alignment, the Fifty-First advanced 
to the summit of a low rocky ridge overlooking the Mont- 
gomery farm, forming in echelon, in the edge of a woods 
pasture that ran down and across a broad ravine 300 or 400 
yards in width. On the crest of Montgomery Hill stood 
the residence of Widow Montgomery, a substantial brick. 

As the sun began to penetrate the fog, a beautiful and 
grand scene was presented to us, as far as the eye could 
reach, of the forces moving out, the double line of soldiers 
gradually dwindling, till they seemed like a thread of blue 
yarn, with here and tliere a. patch of red, where the colors 
appeared . 

As we stood on that })oint, awaiting the formation 
and alignment of troops on our left, our attention was at- 
tracted to the Montgomery residence, fi-oin the windows of 
which some rebel sharpshooters were exhibiting a superior 
marksmanship b}^ sending well-aimed bullets among our 
boys, a number of whom received these tokens in various 
parts of their bodies Some of those whose term of enlist- 



258 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

ment had expired on the 14th, liad a little delicacy about 
exposing themselves, and were excused. There were many 
exceptions, however; some of whom received wounds more 
or less severe. The fun of those sharpshooters came to be 
very monotonous to us ; and a gun from the 6th Ohio Bat- 
tery was run up, an officer, Capt. A. P. Baldwin — then a 
lieutenant, and since the war a citizen of Akron, Ohio — 
hastily sighted and pulled the lanyard ; when bang ! whiz ! 
went a shell, crashing through the Montgomery house, at 
the 2)i"ecise point where the rebel sharpshooters had been 
observed a moment before. The shell, exploding at the 
same instant it struck the building, tore a hole several feet 
in diameter, and effectually silenced those sharpshooters. 
The writer met Captain Baldwin at the great G. A. R. Na- 
tional Encampment in Washington City, in September, 
1892, and without knowing who the comrade was, was nar- 
rating this incident ; when that officer quietly extended his 
hand, while a tear of proud recollection stole out, and he 
said, ''That's right ; I fired that gun !" 

Then came the signal to advance ; and wheeling the 
companies quickly into line, we started off on a quick-step, 
that very soon increased to a run. Down the grassy slope 
we sped, and up again on the other side of the shallow ra- 
vine ; the rebel bullets whistling merrily about our heads. 
The ascent was more abrupt and difficult in some places, 
the approaches being covered with abattis and sharpened 
stakes firmly driven in the ground. Occasionally one of 
our boys was hit ; and dropping down, he was soon found 
by the ambulance corps, and carried to the rear. Schofield 
having been sent to the right, to fill the interval between 
Smith and Wilson, as the 4th Corps advanced, it swung to 
the left, in order that our division might have an easier as- 
cent. Then came the command to "charge with a yell!" 
And such a yell as we gave ! The command was needless, 
so far as the Fifty-First was concerned ; for we anticipated 
it. Captain Scearce was in command ; Captain Anderson 



\ BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 259 

being next in order of rank ; John Young, of Co. G, color- 
becarer ; Will Shockley, of Co. C, with the regimental flag. 
On and up we rushed ; every fellow trying to gain the rebel 
works first — shooting, loading, yelling ; all inspired with a 
single thought — of crushing every obstacle. About half 
way over, Captain Scearce, impatient to plant our Hag first 
on the enemy's salient, dashed up to John Young, who was 
pushing forward with long and rapid strides, two or tliree 
l^aces in advance of the line, and grasping the flag-staff, 
the officer put spurs to his horse, leaving the regiment be- 
hind, but taking with him the plucky color-sergeant, who 
did not propose to relinquish the colors , but was determined 
to plant them there himself. So violent was the struggle, 
that the captain was pulled from his horse ; and before he 
could remount and overtake him, "Jug," as he was famil- 
iarly called, had driven the staft* into the soft dirt on the 
top of the rebel works. But it did not remain there long ; 
for the troops swarming over the fortification only a second 
later, swept colors and color-bearer to the very summit ; and 
the Fifty-First Indiana Veterans had taken Montgomery Hill! 
while the johnnies fled in dire confusion. And the record 
now reads, "Wood carries Pos. A (Montgomery Hill,) at 1 
o'clock." 

As we charged into the yard of the Montgomery resi- 
dence, two boys of Co. C, were shot in the legs, by fleeing 
rebels, who immediately paid for it with their lives. On 
our occupation ot the rebel works, we at once moved to the 
left a short distance, and began throwing up breastworks, 
when we were ordered to move over in front of the works, 
a little to the right. The rays of the sun liad softened the 
ice so that it crushed beneath our feet, rendering walking 
easier, and enabled the cavalry and batteries to move with 
less difficulty. An increasing slope ran to the woods now 
occupied by the rebels. Over this our line moved in one 
steady, imposing column. The crest of the hill in front 
partly sheltered us from the enemy's artillery. A dense 



260 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

volume of smoke rose from the valley, shrouding the hills 
and the rebel lines in our front, and uniting with the heavy 
fog that had not yet entirely left the hilltops. The roar of 
rebel artillery was becoming fainter, w^hile the crash of our 
guns increased each hour. The 4th Corps halted for a mo- 
ment, to enable Smith to connect, when suddenly the rebels 
could be seen breaking pell-mell from their works, cavalry, 
infantry and artillery skurrying and sweeping in various 
directions. A wild cheer rang from our lines, and the bat- 
teries redoubled their iron storm . Soon a column was seen 
emerging from the woods on the rebel flank, and the stars 
and stripes at their head showed that Smith had swung 
around the force in his front. Instantly the 4th Corps 
jumped to their feet, and pressed forward, driving the reb- 
els steadily. The fighting from this time on was all in our 
favor. We drove the enemy several miles. General Wood 
had put the reserve of each division on his right, and then 
engaged the enemy w^itli the entire corps. Three batteries 
were brought into play. Advancing to a fortified hill on 
the west side of the Granny White pike, and near the cen- 
ter of Hood's main line, two batteries were placed so as to 
throw a converging fire upon the hill, which was furiously 
bombarded for an hour, when General Kimball was ordered 
to charge with his whole division. At the same time Gen- 
eral Elliott carried the intrenchments in his front, and our 
division crowned the hill. With loud cheers the 4th Corps 
ascended and leaped over the intrenchments, capturing a 
large number of prisoners, several pieces of artillery and 
several stands of colors. In this general advance, our line 
became slightly involved with that of Smith's, and we were 
directed to move to the Franklin pike, 2i miles distant, and 
facing to the south, to drive the enemy across it. The order 
was taken up , and the corps moved as directed ; but night 
came too soon for it to reach its destination, and we biv- 
ouacked on the east side of the Granny White pike, on a 
line parallel with the road. 



BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 261 

At nightfall the Union lines were readjusted, so as to 
ran along the Hillsboro pike, excepting the 4th Corps, dis- 
posed as mentioned above ; Schofield on tlie riglit, Smitli 
in the center, and Wood on the left, witli tlie cavalry on 
the right of Schofield. 

By these movements Hood was entii-ely crowded out of 
his original works, and compelled to take a new position 
along the base of the Harpeth hills. So promptly did each 
part of the Union army respond to the action of the rest, 
that the rebels were continually deceived and kept dodging 
about, wondering what we would do next. 

The result of that day's operations, was the capture of 
17 pieces of artillery, over 1,200 prisoners, several liundred 
stands of small arms and 40 wagons. The Union casual- 
ties were unusually light, and insignificant compared with 
those of the enemy ; also, the behavior of General Thomas' 
troops was remarkable for steadiness and alacrity in every 
movement. 

During a lull in hostilities in the afternoon, the com- 
missary sergeant having to go to Nashville to draw rations, 
the sergeant-major was directed by the commander of the 
regiment, to bring up some beef that had })een delivered 
just before the advance was made, but had no one to issue 
it to the companies. On arriving at the place, he found 
meat enough to load ten men, but no detail to carry it for- 
ward, nearly a mile, to where the regiment was. So he 
pressed in half a dozen white fellows and nearly as many 
darkies, who said they liad come out to see tlie fight , !)nt 
who were really only a lot of thieves, in quest of plunder; 
ready to rob the dead soldiers, who had just been paid oil". 
Like those fellows mentioned in tlie Scriptures, each one 
had a powerful reason for being excused, but the sergeant- 
major was insensible to distress ; drawing his revolver, he 
declared he would make a ghost of each one before he could 
turn around, if they didn't grab onto that meat and liunii) 
toward the front instantlv. With white li])s and tiNMiibling 



262 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

knees, they laid hold of the beef, and bore it to within a 
few yards of the regiment, that was again in line expecting 
a charge by the rebels. At that moment, the rebels, who 
had reached the summit of the slope overlooking the pike, 
made a stand, and a lively little skirmish ensued. Two or 
three crashing volleys rent the air ; when with eyes rolling 
in an agony of terror, the citizens begged to be permitted 
to return to town. With a significant word of instruction 
to go hack to tlic clti/, they were released ; and dropping the 
meat they split the air like a flash of greased lightning, and 
in a second more were out of sight. The meat was distrib- 
uted to details from each company, wdiile the fight was in 
progress, and the overshot bullets made the work one of 
extreme danger. It was a hard fight, and a number of the 
Fifty-First boys Avere wounded ; l)ut tliey all stood right up 
to the work, and fought like true heroes. Here it was that 
Sergeant Frank Brown, Avitli seven men of his company, 
captured a rebel battery of four guns, and turned them on 
the enemy. 

It was between 9 and 10 o'clock that night, when the 
Fifty-First, after countermarching, flanking and obliquing 
up and down the Granny White pike enough to bewilder 
the most accomplished backwoodsman, laid down in a nice 
grassy meadow. Spreading our dog-tents on the grass, we 
threw our overcoats or blankets over us, and after a word 
of gratitude to tlie gracious Father who had protected us 
through the bloody experiences of the day, we drifted off to 
dreamland. 

In the morning of the 16th we felt refreshed, and were 
ready for battle at an early hour. The whole army arose 
with an assurance of victory. Congratulations from Presi- 
dent Lincoln and the authorities at Washington sped their 
way with lightning rapidity to General Tliomas, and were 
hastily communicated to his army ; this added to the inspi- 
ration of accomplished victory, and the defeat of this one 
of the two ""I'eat armies on wiiicli tlie existence of the re- 



BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 263 

bellion depended, seemed a foregone certainty. At home, 
the reaction from the uneasiness that had obtained, to the 
ecstasy of hopefuhiess, was one of the most marked revul- 
sions of opinion and feeling during the war. 

During the night Hood had drawn back his center and 
right to a stronger position, moved his right wing over on 
Overton Hill, his line extending along the base of the Har- 
peth or Brentwood range, and his artillery massed at such 
points as were most available for effective use. He had 
straightened his line and shortened it nearly one-half, and 
his troops spent the night in strengthenings and extending 
the fortifications previously constructed by him. He was 
therefore prepared to receive us ; and we were on hand ere 
they had their breakfast dishes washed. 

Each corps of Thomas' army was prepared both for 
attack and pursuit, and was ordered to move forward rap- 
idly at 6 a. m., until the enemy should be met. At that 
hour the 4th Corps advanced promptly as ordered toward 
the Franklin pike, about two miles, nearly due east, part 
of the way by right of companies, but frequently forming 
in line of battle. This was very tiresome, and sufficient of 
itself to exhaust the troops ; who, however, affected even a 
cheerfulness that was wonderful. The weather was some- 
what improved in temperature, but the thaw was succeeded 
by mud, that rendered walking extremely difficult. The 
enemy's skirmishers were soon encountered, and speedily 
driven back, and we gained the Franklin pike. Here the 
corps was deployed — Elliott's division across the pike and 
facing south, Beatty's on the left, and Kimball's in reserve 
behind Elliott. We then advanced rapidly three-fourths of 
a mile, where we met a strong skirmish line behind barri- 
cades, their main line being plainly in view, half a mile 
beyond. Simultaneously, General Smith on the right, and 
General Steedman on the left, advanced, but found the en- 
emy had fled. Steedman then pressed forward and took 
position on our left, across the Franklin railroad. Owing 



264 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

to the irregularity of the surface, the country being very 
hilly, and covered with dense forests, most of the cavalry 
was found impracticable. For the same reason, it was hard 
also to move artillery ; but the guns at all points available 
kept up a measured fire, shelling the woods. 

The Brentwood hills, rising 350 feet above the level of 
the country, consist of two ranges, one running southeast, 
the other southwest, terminating on opposite sides of the 
Brentwood Pass, through which the Franklin pike runs. 
These hills formed Hood's background. Overton Hill, the 
northernmost summit from wliich these ranges trend, com- 
manded the Franklin pike, running along their base, and 
was intrenched around the northern slope, the approaches 
being obstructed by abattis and felled trees. This made 
the position a very strong one ; and as we came into full 
sight of it, it became apparent tliat one of the most desper- 
ate struggles awaited us. 

The assaulting column consisted of Post's brigade sup- 
ported by Colonel Streight's brigade. General Steadman 
also directed Col. Thompson's brigade of colored troops to 
co-operate in the assault. At 3 p. m., the assaulting col- 
umns moved up the steep ascent, covered with a strong line 
of skirmishers, to draw the enemy's fire, and cause him to 
expend his limited ammunition, as well as to annoy his ar- 
tillery. It was very dangerous clambering among the long 
lines of sharpened stakes, which were firmly planted in the 
ground; and many, who were crowded against them, were 
almost impaled on their points. Our instructions were to 
move steadily till near the intrenchments ; then dash right 
up, leap the parapet, and sweep everything before us. An 
obstacle was presented, however, that raised a doubt as to 
the completeness of our success. The rebels had four large 
guns posted at the top of the hill, supported by six lines of 
infantry. Our boys were exhausted, and undei- ordinary 
circumstances w^ould have been glad to delay the battle a 
few hours. But they felt that the end was near ; and were 



BATTLE OK NASHVILLE. 205 

eager to ])egiii the fray, and have it over. As we moved 
up, the rebels on the summit got such range of us that they 
slashed the canister and solid shot into us with a prodigal- 
ity that was appalling. We w^ere compelled to lie down. 

While in this fearfully exposed position, an incident 
occurred that will haunt the writer as long as life remains. 
1st Lieut. Peter G. Tait, of the 89tli Illinois, while stand- 
ing a little in advance of his regiment, which lapped the 
right wing of the Fifty-First, was struck by a cannon ball 
near the center of his body, tearing a great hole in the left 
side. As he fell, he threw his right arm around to his side, 
wdien his heart and left lung dropped out into it. The heart 
continued to throb for twenty minutes, its pulsations being 
distinctly seen by his agonized comrades, who stood there 
and saw the noble life fade out in heroic self-sacrifice. The 
ball buried itself in a log immediately in the rear ; doul)t- 
less thereby saving the lives of others who were in direct 
range of the deadly missile. 

Then our artillery got in position , and opened a vigor- 
ous tire, giving roar after roar, with quick repetition, and 
the command was given to forward the whole line. Col. 
Thompson's brigade of colored troops came up at the same 
instant, and a part of their right lapped the left of our regi- 
ment. We reached the crest with comparative safety ; but 
in another moment the enemy rose, and poured into us a 
fire of grape, canister, schrapnel and musketry, so territic 
and destructive, that we were compelled to fall back, with 
great loss, leaving our dead and wounded, white and black, 
mingled indiscriminately in the dense and almost impene- 
trable tangle of felled trees. The colored troops fought as 
bravely as any here, and suffered equally witli tlic wliites. 
There and then was gallant Joe Fleece, of ('«>. A. pierced 
through the heart with a rebel bullet. Anotlici- was .lolm 
W. Wells, of Co. C. He was a brave and faitliful soldici-. 
There was no better type of the American soldier tlian he, 
J far as patriotic ardor, honesty and sobriety rcciuired ; 



266 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

and lie was without a spark of braggadocio. There, also, 
were stricken down in their noble young manhood, killed 
instantly, eight others of our own regiment, besides 86 oth- 
ers — according to the memorandum made that night by 
Hospital Steward Fitch — who received more or less severe 
wounds, most of whom died in consequence, within the 
next few weeks or months. Lieut. John Welton, of Co. E, 
was shot so badly in one of his legs, that it had to be am- 
putated there. Capt. M. T. Anderson was shot in the side, 
the ball passing clear around his back, lodging in the hip 
opposite, whence it was extracted. He fell from his horse 
waving his sword and cheering the boys on. Lieut. Geo. 
W. Scearce was wounded in the thigh, at the head of his 
company ; and many others, whose records ought to be in 
this category, but which it has been impossible to obtain, 
received wounds while performing deeds of valor equal to 
any that have been mentioned. Captain Anderson was 
granted a medal by the War Department, for conspicuous 
gallantry in this fight, in accordance with the act of Con- 
gress approved March 3, 1863. Co. G lost Joseph Brown, 
a noble young man. He was shot through the head, when 
within twenty feet of the rebel works. Sergeant Holman 
and another comrade went to him, but he was unconscious. 
They carried him back and placed him in an ambulance ; 
and tliat was the last they ever saw of him. 

The following names of killed and mortally wounded, 
in that bloody charge, are all that can be obtained from the 
Adjutant General's report: Joseph Fleece, Ephraim Tull, 
Co. A ; John Musson, G. E. Tiffany, J. S. Hurst, Harry 
Troup, Co. B ; John W. Wells, Samuel Patterson, Co. C ; 
Alva E. Sowers, Wm. Smith, Ira G. Thorn, Timothy Whit- 
more, Co. E ; George Walker, Co. F ; John L. Keith, Wm. 
W. Bruce, Perry Hollingsvvorth, Bernard Hollingsworth, 
Daniel T. Myers, Co. H ; David Welty, Co.I; David A. 
Harvey, David S. Strain, Adam Wolf, Co. K. 

How we got there — or stayed there — or got away at 



BATTLE OF NASHVILLE. 267 

all, alive, no one will ever tell. Showers of lead — whole 
sheets of blue liquid lead — seemed to pour over those rebel 
earthworks. But we got back. O, yes ; we had to. Some 
of us ran backward most of the way, because we didn't like 
the idea of being found with a hole in our back. In this 
way the writer discovered a badly wounded comrade of Co. 
H under the lee of a large stone chimney, where a hut had 
stood, and to which he had managed to crawl for safety. 
Calling another comrade, they made a chair of their hands, 
carried the wounded boy back, and placed him in an am- 
bulance . 

Captain Scearce, commanding the regiment, had his 
horse shot under him. In falling, the captain's foot was 
caught under the horse ; from which he soon extricated 
himself, and hobbled back. 

Sergeant- Major Hartpence sustained a slight wound 
on his head ; a rebel bullet having pierced his hat, cutting 
a gash in the scalp, and passing out through the hat-band. 
It was a close call, for which he was properly grateful. He 
prizes that little scar more than any other token it is possi- 
ble for him to obtain. 

Many incidents of individual bravery might be men- 
tioned. It is said that Fred. Tellsman, of Co. H, did not 
stop till he had scaled the 8-foot parapet ; where he was 
confronted by a rebel lieutenant, who in a very obscene 
and profane manner demanded his surrender. Fred, only 
replied less politely, consigning him to a locality hotter, if 
possible, than where he was, and facilitating his departure 
thereto by emptying his rifle in the johnny's bread-basket. 
Then jumping to our side again, he came off in safety. 

The 8th Kansas went up alongside of our regiment ; 
and never did a little band of heroes tight moi-e valiantly. 
Surgeon Nathaniel Clark distinguished himself by charg- 
ing into the midst of the fray with his medicine-case, and 
by his lieroic attention to his men, quite a nuinl)cr o\' whom 
were wounded. 



268 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

The original order of this assault was, as has been re- 
peated, for the Fifty-First to advance to easy supporting 
distance ; but by some error in giving or repeating it , the 
order was changed to a charge, which was made with knap- 
sacks on ; rendering it that much more distressing. The 
great wonder is that it was not much more disastrous ; and 
it seems like a rare providence that the error was made ; for 
had we remained at the point to whicli we were ordered at 
first, we would have received the entire contents of that 
rebel battery. As it was, we got down into the ravine, or 
depression, under the battery just in time to feel the wind 
produced by the crash of schrapnel and grape two or three 
feet above our heads. 

Furious as was the repulse, we fell back in splendid 
order, about 300 yards, to the northern edge of a field, bor- 
dered by a forest. Here Captain Scearce ordered the regi- 
ment to reform, and calling the sergeant-major to him, di- 
rected him to go to the left and call the members of each 
company to their places in the line, while he performed a 
like service upon the right. The facility and promptness 
with which every requirement was obeyed, was the more 
remarkable for the fact that the companies were mainly of- 
ficered by sergeants ; in fact, it was said of the boys of the 
Fifty-First, that they didn't need commanders — they com- 
manded themselves. In three minutes the regiment had 
reformed, and the command was given to "unsling" knap- 
sacks and "forward ! — charge ! " We didn't need anything 
more. Away we went, more determined than l^efore ; more 
impetuous, and more eager to decide the issue. Although 
received with a heavy fire, the onset was irresistible. One 
crash followed another, as we swept through the network of 
felled trees and over the parapet, routing the six lines of 
rebel infantry supporting the battery, clubbed the gunners 
off of their pieces, captured the guns and turned them on 
the flying johnnies, and took half of the entire command 
in front of us prisoners. At the same moment, the troops 



hood's retreat. 269 

on both of our flanks swung around the brow of the hill, 
and joined with us in deafening shouts of victory. The 
defeat of the rebels at this point was the most complete of 
all they had sustained, because it destroyed even the very 
organization by which they might have hoped to retrieve 
their fortune. That part of their army was forever gone — 
was a thing of the past ; and it was a common sight to see 
a dozen or more johnnies — officers and privates — totally 
demoralized, going to our rear, in charge of a sinlge guard. 

The charge tlien became general, and the enemy was 
hurled from every position, in utter rout and demoraliza- 
tion, hopelessly shattered ; and in wildest confusion they 
fled along the Franklin pike and througli Brentwood Pass, 
closely followed by the 4th Corps for several miles ; the fre- 
quent discharges of our artillery increasing the confusion of 
their most disorderly retreat. All along the line of retreat 
small arms and accouterments were strewn thickly ; while 
no eff'ort whatever was made to carry ofl" the wounded or 
dispose of the dead, who were tenderly cared for by our 
men. They stood not on the order of their going, but went. 

The 4tli Corps bivouacked that night a mile from the 
village of Brentwood ; while Knipe's and Hatch's divisions 
of Wilson's cavalry corps moved rapidly down the Granny 
White pike, to reach Franklin if possible in advance of the 
rebel army. They came upon the rebel cavalry about a 
mile further on, posted across the road and behind barri- 
cades. They charged upon the rebels, scattering them in 
every direction, and capturing a large number of prisoners. 

Surgeons Collins and King and Steward Fitch made a 
sad and weird picture, that night, as witli lanterns in their 
hands, they searched among the trees and bushes for the 
brave boys of the Fifty-First who had fallen on that day ; 
binding up an arm here, giving a draught of water there, 
and wiping the death-damp from the brow of an expiring 
hero, whose life had been preserved through so many dan- 
gers, to go out on tliis last held of battle. 



^270 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

When James Ferris, Co. H, opened his knapsaek next 
day, he found in it two ounce balls, that were evidently 
shot there by rebels when we fell back after our first attack 
on the parapet on Overton Hill. The balls had both gone 
through eleven thicknesses of oil-cloth poncho, doubled up 
between the folds of his knapsack, besides all the clothing 
in one side. 

The drafted men exceeded our most ardent expecta- 
tion. They went right in, after the first scare was over; 
and when the old fiag waved in triumph over the enemy's 
works, they raised the yell as proudly as any veteran. One 
fellow was so well tickled and so enthusiastic over his part 
of the accomplishment, that he said he felt like he could 
"lick a ten-acre field of wild-cats, or eat up a regiment of 
greasy johnnies, greybacks and all !" 

The action of this day announced the overthrow of the 
rebellion in the West . The rebel army on whose existence 
and activity that section of the rebellion depended, was in 
disorganized and demoralized flight. 

The authorities at Washington were momentarily ap- 
prised of our action, by a system of signals and telegraph. 
■General Grant, on his way to take personal command, got 
no farther than Washington, and Logan stopped at Louis- 
ville. The President and the Secretary of War rained con- 
■gratulations on General Thomas and his army. , The fol- 
lowing message, sent before the issue of the second day was 
known, was also received in the afternoon, and communi- 
cated to the troops that evening : 

" Washington, Dec. 16—11 : 20 a. m. 
Ma.i. Gen. Thomas: 

Please accept for yourself, officers and men the Nation's 
tlianks for your worlc of yesterday. You made a magnificent beginning. 
A grand consunnnation is within your easy reach. Do not let it slip. 

A. Lincoln. 

General Thomas replied to this the same night, in an 

able commuication, recounting the accomplishments of the 

I6th by his army, in which he said : 



hood's retrkat. 271 

* "Brigadier-Cxeiieral Wood's corps, on the Franklin i)ike, 

took up tlie assault, carried the enemy's iutrenelimeiits in his front, cap- 
tured eii^ht (8) pieces, and something over 601) prisoners." 

That something remarkable liad been done, was recog- 
nized by tlie civilized world. Indeed, historians have told 
the story of this two days' fight with expressions of won- 
der and astonishment. But the rest of the world has been 
at an equal loss to understand how two millions of men (or 
boys,) from every department of civilized life — the farmer 
from his plow, the mechanic from his bench or forge, the 
merchant from dallying over calicoes and ribbons, or sugar 
and coffee, the printer from his composing-stick, or the 
book-keeper from his desk, could be thrown together, skill- 
fully drilled and disciplined in the short space of two or 
three years, so as to become the admiration of the most 
accomplished and celebrated militarists of the world. God 
was in it all, and the truths of His Word, that had in all 
the generations of their immediate ancestry been liberally 
sown in the hearts of His freemen, fitted them in advance 
for the grand work of purging our Nation of the sin of the 
South — and incidentally of confirming in the minds of the 
haughty chivalry of that section for all time, the superior- 
ity of the free Northerner over the native Southerner, in 
everything that goes to constitute true American manhood. 

We resumed the pursuit early next morning, 17th, and 
met with comparatively little resistance. Disorder contin- 
ued to mark every foot of the route. At Hollow Tree Gap, 
four miles north of Franklin, the cavalry overtook the reb- 
els' rear-guard, and carried their position, capturing 413 
prisoners. The enemy continued their flight to Franklin, 
where they attempted to defend the crossings of Harpeth 
River, but were again defeated and driven from the town, 
leaving their hospitals, containing over 2,000 wounded, of 
whom 200 were Union men, taken at the battle of Franklin. 
Five miles below Franklin the rebels were so pressed by 
our cavalry, that they made another stand ; but only to fly 



272 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

with greater rapidity when Wilson's cavah-y charged upon 
them. At this point they abandoned nearly all of their 
remaining artillery. The few cannons they retained, were 
afterward thrown into the Tennessee River, whence they 
were recovered. 

The 4th Corps reached Franklin a little after noon ; but 
the river, which was easily forded by the cavalry, had risen 
so rapidly that we were delayed some time to extemporize 
a bridge. Steedman followed us, and the other two corps 
were in the rear. Trains followed, with rations for 10 days, 
and 100 rounds of ammunition to each man . 

As we passed Franklin, our hearts were sickened at 
sight of the long lines of graves and other evidences of the 
work that was done there on our recent visit. Great trees 
and brush, that we had converted into abattis to protect us 
from the furious charges of the enemy, were fairly whittled 
and splintered like kindling. At one place, where the reb- 
els had made three successive charges, and as often met a 
withering repulse, the earth was plowed up as though a 
mammoth harrow had been dragged over it. On every 
hand were clusters of new graves, where each regiment had 
buried its dead. Hundreds of horses, great heaps of equi- 
page and arms were lying all around in lavish profusion. 
The earth , as far as we could see , was literally covered with 
remnants of that doomed army. That w^as an awful day, 
and a still more awful night which followed. As with the 
historic Senacherib, 

" Like tlie lenves of the forest, when suiiiiner is frreen, 
That host witli their hanners at inoniiii^^ was seen; 
Like tiie leaves of tlie forest, wlien uutmnii hatii blown, 
That host in the evening la^' withered and strovvn." 

Sunday morning, December 18, '64, wscs cloudy and 
gloomy enough, but our boys felt light and happy ; for we 
had been blest with victory from the first. We were with- 
out tents ; and many letters home had to be written under 
the shelter of an overcoat. The roads had become exceed- 



hood's retreat. 273 

ingly bad, from tlie late heavy rains and their nse by the 
rebels, and pursnit was greatly retarded in consequence. 
The 4th Corps joined Wilson's cavalry at night, at Ruth- 
erford's Creek. 

On the morning of the 19th we attempted to cross the 
creek, whose deep swift current formed a better rear-guard 
for the enemy than his cavalry ; and several efforts were 
made through the day; but all were fruitless. The rain 
continued, also, causing great distress among the boys, 
who were almost destitute of protection. Next morning 
Hatch's men constructed a float from the debris of the rail- 
road bridge, and advanced rapidly to Columbia ; to find 
that the rebels had lifted their pontoon bridge. The 4th 
C'orps also crossed during the day by various expedients, 
and camped that night near Columbia. The weather now 
changed from excessive rain to extreme cold ; and this re- 
tarded the throwing of pontoons. We had a little skiff of 
snow on Friday, 23d, and had a hard time crossing Duck 
River that afternoon. Forrest had left a small force to dis- 
pute our crossing. Our regiment was in advance that day, 
and it devolved on us to settle the matter. We deployed 
on the bank of the river, without a shadow of protection ; 
while the johnnies stationed among the rocks on the bluff' 
opposite, where they had constructed a sort of honey-comb 
defense, fired down at us from the apertures. It was one 
of the severest tests our boys ever experienced. We had 
the material of two "skeleton-boats," consisting of light 
framework and heavy canvas. The canvas was spread out 
on the shore, and the framework fitted together on it, by 
a system of mortises and hooks ; then the canvas was gath- 
ered up at the sides and ends and secured by ropes tied in 
eyelets and drawn tightly to t)ie fi-ame. This made a boat 
capable of conveying twenty men across an ordinary body 
of water. But the exposure required to launch these two 
boats was awful. Robert A. Condiff, of Co. A, was killed, 
and ten otliers were wounded. The passage of the boats, 

18 



274 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

too, was attended with extreme danger; as the water was 
15 to 25 feet deep, and the rebels on the bhiff could shoot 
right down through our boats, and sink us. 

Corporal Charles Salter, who was in the front line, re- 
ceived a shot that cut a gash in his scalp, parting the hair 
a little to one side of the center, making a lovely cowlick. 
He was crazy for a few hours ; but got all right again in a 
few days. 

The sergeant-major had another narrow escape here. 
While carrying orders to the skirmishers, he was selected 
by several johnnies, whose leaden compliments brushed his 
hat-rim on either side, and chipped the bark of a little tree 
a few steps in his rear. He made no response, save to 
softly murmur a line of "Willie, we have missed you," at 
that time a popular song. 

Captain Hamilton was in command of the skirmishers, 
consisting of ten men from each company, and took charge 
of the first boat ; the sergeant-major having the honor of 
commanding the second. Fortunately for us, the 6tli Ohio 
Battery forwarded a gun, that in a moment was raising 
merry sheol among the rocks, driving the rebels out ; thus 
enabling us to cross in safety . The whole command then 
crossed, clambering with great difficulty up the almost per- 
pendicular bank, and went into camp near by. 

The skirmishers pushed ahead through the town after 
Hood's rear-guard. In this movement, Corporal Will Jor- 
dan, with 5 of Co. A's detail, overtook 18 rebels, who were 
conducting 2 Union prisoners to their train. Jordan was 
in advance ; and yelling out to an imaginary force behind, 
made a rush, captured the entire rebel guard, who readily 
surrendered. The skirmishers also surrounded the hospi- 
tal, capturing all the attendants. 

The pontoon train came up later, and the entire army 
crossed that night and next day. 

We met with a very cordial reception by the citizens 
of Columbia, and while the remainder of the command was 



"AFTER THP: ball. Z/O 

crossing the river, a number of us were invited to partake 
of their hospitality. And the wives and (hxughters of the 
most respectable portion of the population entertained us 
in a very agreeable manner, till an order to "carry up the 
line" compelled us to go. The young ladies of the town 
also made an arrangement for a social party that evening ; 
but the Fifty-First was drawn into the court-house square, 
and strict orders given to stay tliere. The writer was sent 
out on three roads, to relieve the pickets, on two of which 
our men had been thrown out a mile and a-half, and the 
other nearly a mile. When he returned, got his own sup- 
per and made down his bed on the court-house floor, he 
was ready to sleep, although the place reeked with the foul 
stench of blood from those who had lain there before, and 
swarmed with graybacks. 

"after the ball." 
December 24, we continued our pursuit of Hood ; our 
immediate command taking the road running due south, 
and leading through Lynnville and Pulaski. We camped 
that night just below Lynnville, and had a hard march all 
the next day ; passing through Pulaski, to 5 miles beyond. 
The cavalry had a brisk engagement in the evening. We 
remained in the same camp all the next day. At this time 
the pursuit was abandoned, as it had been ascertained that 
Hood's infantry forces had effected the passage of the Ten- 
nessee River at Bainbridge, a few miles east of Florence. 
On the 27th, we marched twelve miles in a southwesterly 
course, over an almost impassable road ; Tind the next day 
we proceeded twelve miles farther, to the village of Lexing- 
ton, Alabama, only a few miles from the Tennessee River. 
We were interrupted by nothing save heavy rains, which 
made marching and bivouacking very unpleasant. On the 
road we moved very slowly, but that did not prevent our 
foragers from getting over a great deal of contiguous terri- 
torv, that abounded with all the luxuries of the season ; so 



276 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

that we were kept supplied with fresh cured shoulders and 
hams, turkeys, chickens, honey, molasses, dried apples and 
peaches, corn meal, etc., which we relished greatly after a 
long abstinence from anything but the roughest kind of 
food . 

The results of this victory over Hood cannot be estima- 
ted in figures, nor scarcely in any other way. The Union 
army captured 13,189 prisoners of war, including 7 gener- 
als, 16 colonels, nearly 1,000 officers of lower grades, 80 
serviceable pieces of artillery, 70 stands of colors, (battle- 
flags,) many thousands of small arms, and untold quanti- 
ties of wagons, pontoons and other material. Besides all 
this, 2,207 deserters from the rebel army came in and took 
the oath of allegiance. The number of rebels killed and 
wounded cannot possibly be ascertained with any degree of 
exactness ; but from the best data to be obtained, exceeded 
18,000. If to all of these are added the desertions not re- 
ported, more than half of Hood's army failed to recross the 
Tennessee River. General Thomas reported his own loss 
in killed, wounded and missing, as not exceeding 10,000, a 
large portion of this aggregate being slightly wounded. 

HoocVs Report of the Battle of Nashville. 

* "I therefore determined to move on Nashville, 

to entrench, to await his attack, and if favored by success, to 

follow him into liis works. 

[If Thomas had followed Grant's direction, doubtless 
he would have furnished the opportunity.] 

I ordered the army to move forward on the 1st of December; 
* Lee's corps in advance, followed by Stewart's and Cheathajn's, and 
the troops bivouacked that night in tlie vicinity of Brentwood. On the 
morning of the 2d the march was resumed, and line of battle formed in 
front of Nashville. Lee's corps was in the center and across the Frank- 
lin pike; Stewart occupied the left, and Cheatham the right; For- 
rest's cavalry tilled the gaps to the river. Stewart and Cheatham 
were directed to construct detached wf)rks * to protect their flanks 
against an effort to turn them. The works were not completed when, on 
the 15th, the Federal army moved out and attacked both flanks, whilst 
the main assault was directed against our left. * Finding that the 
main movement of the Federals was directed against our left, * 



hood's report. 277 

Clieatham's corps was withdrawn from tlie riglit, and posted on [Ul: left 
of Stewart. In tliis position tlie men were ordered to construct 

breastworks during tiiat same niglit. Tlie morning of the IGth found us 
with Lee's right on Overton Hill. At an early hour the enemy made a 
general attack along our front; about 3 p. m. tin Federals con- 

centrated a number of guns against a portion of our line, which passe(i 
over a mound on the left of our center, and which had been occupied du- 
ring the night. This point was favorable for massing troops. The 
enemy availed himself of the advantage, massed a body of men — appa- 
rently one division — at the base of this mound, and made a 
sudden and gallant charge up to and over our intrenehments. Qui- line, 
thus pierced, gave way; soon it broke at all points; and I hehcid for the 
first a!id only tniie a Confederate army abandon the field in confiision. 
I was seated on my horse not far in rear when the breach was 
effected, and soon discovered that all hope to rally the troops was vain." 
[It must have seemed like a "division" to Hood, when 
the Fifty-First with the 8th Kansas and 14th Colored came 
swarming over that parapet, and made such havoc among 
Lee's men. Those regiments never failed to impress their 
audience whenever they had a chance. Wood's 4th Corps 
whipped Stewart's corps on the 15th, and Lee's corps on 
the 16tli, and made its usual splendid record. Hood was 
certainly a chump of the most pronounced character, how- 
ever, or he could not have added, as he did, the following :] 

"Just previous to this fatal occurrence, I had matured the movement 
for the next morning. The enemy's right flank, by this hour, stood in 
air some six miles from Nashville, and I l)atl determined to withdraw 
my entire force during the night, and attack this exi)osed flank in rear. 
I could safely liave d(me so, as I still had open a line of retreat. A 

number of guns in the main line were abandoned, for the reason that the 
horses could not be brought forward in time to remove them. The total 
number of guns captured amounted to 54. 

It will be of interest to note how deeply concerned (ien. firant be- 
came for fear we should finally reach Kentucky. He ordered Gen. 
Thomas to attack on the 6th of December, and evidently became much 
worried about our presence in front of Nashville." 

[But he finally came to comprehend tlie situation, and 
closed his report in as few words as possihle.] 

"After the tight at Nashville T at first hoped to be al)le to remain in 
Tennessee, on the line of Duck River, but after arriving at ColuMihia, I 
became convinced that the condition of the army made it necessary to 
re?ross the Tennessee without delay, and on the 21st the army resumed 
its march for Pulaski, leaving Maj. Gen. Walthall witli Kctnr's, Strahl's, 



278 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Maney's, Graiiberry's and Palmer's infantry brigades at Ci)liimbia, as a 
rear-guard under Gen. Forrest. * 

[Here again the Fifty-First Indiana "Division" drove 
the heroes who couldn't fight without some kind of breast- 
works to rest their guns on.] 

From Puiaski I moved by the most direct road to the iJainbridge 
crossing on the Tennessee river, vviiieh was reached on the 25tii, where 
the army crossed without interruption." 

In another place he explains the sudden disappearance 
of his array, by the statement that thousands were fur- 
loughed for a short period ; which simply meant for good , 
so far as Hood was concerned ; for on Jan. 13, '65, he sent 
the following to the rebel "Secretary of War : " 

" I request to be relieve,! from the command of tliis army. 

J. B. Hood, General." 
The wonder is, w^hat army ; as Thomas had relieved 
him of his own. Following this, he says : 

"9,000 out of 14,(300 who left Tupelo to repair to Johnson's 
standarii in Nortli Carolina, deserted, and eitlier went to the woods or to 
their homes." 

When the pursuit ended. General Thomas ordered his 
forces into winter quarters ; but immediately Grant tele- 
graphed his disapj)roval of this disposition, and Thomas 
at once issued orders to Generals Schofield, Smith and Wil- 
son to concentrate at Eastport, Miss., and Wood to hold 
his corps at Huntsville, Ala., in readiness for a renewal of 
the campaign. 

SOME REFLECTIONS. 

We read in books, of the genius of mighty warriors, 
whose names have been heralded throughout the world, 
coupled with an exaggerated account of their achievements. 
If you could have slipped unobserved among the companies 
of quiet soldiers, in any of those veteran regiments, whose 
eyes gleamed with a brightness and significant earnestness 
that told of the ardent, eager heart glowing underneath the 
blouse, and if you could have reclined with them on those 
rugged hillsides during the lull in hostilities, and heard 
the simple expressions of those hardy patriots, who drew 



SOME REFLECTIONS. 279 

inspiration from their rusty bacon and mouldy hard-tack, 
and criticised the movements of the armies in undertones, 
lest their words might seem to be mutinous, or might affect 
the fidelity of a weak comrade ; or, if you could have gath- 
ered from the humble privates the results of their intui- 
tions — the things they had learned by the long years of 
experience, the fiankings and the feints, the tricks and the 
schemes by which they had been defeated, and by which 
they had overcome the foe ; you might be able to appreciate 
the fact, that there was oftener wisdom and judgment in 
the ranks than on horseback. There is no doubt that very 
many battles that were lost by those who were called brave 
and efficient commanders, might have been saved by men 
who carried only muskets. The history of the war of the 
rebellion furnishes abundant evidence in proof of this. 

Instinctively the veterans of General Thomas' army 
recognized his superior leadership, and from the first their 
hearts beat in lively sympathy with his. They believed in 
his capability, his loyalty to the great cause for which they 
had sacrificed everything dear to them on earth ; and to 
question his integrity, either by accusation or innuendo, 
was bound to subject the offender to their dislike, if not to 
their odium ; which even time rarely extinguished. In the 
beginning of this campaign, General Thomas had been un- 
justly censured and criticised by certain authorities at the 
national headquarters ; even an order was issued, transfer- 
ing the command from him to Schofield, and indirectly to 
Logan. Providentially, as it proved, he was not relieved ; 
but his soldiers felt the humiliation, and in ten thousand 
forms of expression , have never ceased to denounce those 
who were responsible for it. On December 21, Thomas 
wrote a letter to Halleck, who was then toasting his shins 
in comfortable quarters in Washington City, while Thomas 
and his army were enduring the rigors of one of the severest 
winters ever known in that locality. It is in reply to one 
from Halleck, urging him to ''make every possible sacrifice 



280 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

to accomplish the great result," and urging ''a most vigor- 
ous pursuit ;" and is very interesting reading : 

"In thk Field, December 21, 1864. 
Major-General Halleck, Washmgton, D. C: 

Your di?i3ateh of 12 m. this day is received. General 
Hood's army is being pursued as rapidly and as vigorously- as it is possible 
for one army to pursue another. We can not control the elements, and 
you must remember that, to resist Hood's advance into Tennessee, I had 
to reorganize and almost riioroughly equip tlie force now under my com- 
mand. I fought the battles i.f the 15th and Kith insts. with the troops 
but partially equipped, and notwitlistanding the inclemency of the weath- 
er and the partial equipment, have been enabled to drive the enemy 
beyond Duck River, crossing two streams with my troops, and driving 
the enen)y from position to position, witiiout the aid of })ontoons, and 
with but little transportation to bring up supplies of provisions and am- 
munition, I am doing all in my })ower to crusii Hood's army, and, if it 
be possible, will destroy it. But i)ursuing an enemy througli an exluiusted 
country, over mud roads completely sogged with iieavy rains, is no ciiild's 
play, and can not be accomplished as quickly as tliought of. 1 hope, in 
urging me to push the enemy, tlie department lemembers that General 
Sherman took with him the complete organization of tlie Military Divi- 
sion of the Mississippi, well equipped in every respect, as regards ammu- 
nition, supplies and transportation, leaving me only two corps, partially 
stripped ot their transportation, to accommodate tlie force taken with 
him, to oppose the advance into Tennessee of that army wiiich iiad re- 
.sisted the advance of the army of die Military Division of the Mississippi 
on Atlanta, from the commencement of the campaign till its close, and 
which is now in addition aided by P'orrest's cavalry. Although my pro- 
gress may appear slow, I feel assured that Hood's army can he driven 
from Tennessee, and eventually driven to the wall by the force under my 
command. But too much must not be expected of troops which have to 
be reorganized, especially when they have the task of destroying a force, 
in a winter's campaign, which was able to make an obstinate resistance 
to twice its numbers in spring and summer. In conclusion, I can safely 
state that the army is willing to submit to any sacrifice to oust Hood's 
array, or to strike any other blow which may contribute to the destruc- 
tion of the rebellion. (Signed,) (tEo. H. Th(»m.\s, 

Major-General." 

"Old Pap" Thomas had fulfilled the highest possible 
expectations of his loyal followers. Lettei-s of congratula- 
tion and cheer poured in on us from all over the North. 
The terrible fear of disaster by our friends, and which the 
copperheads hoped and prayed for, was removed ; and we 




General G. IT. Titomas. 



I 



I 



TRIBUTE TO GENERAL THOMAS. 281 

were very proud of the campaign. Any army might well 
be proud of i.t ; and when, on the 30th, General Thomas an- 
nounced its conclusion, he paid his valorous command tlie 
highest compliment, and congratulated us on our eminent 
success. This chapter would scarcely be complete without 
the glowing tribute offered to the memory of our beloved 
commander by Major J. A. Ostrander, at the G. A. R. Na- 
tional Encampment at Indianapolis, September 4, 1893 : 

" Tlie country is proud of tlie great names and great deeds of Grant 
and Sherman and Sheridan. So am J. But tliere is oneotlier immortal 
name tliat has been written on the marble of a tomb for a quarter of a 
century, whose lightest mention will swell the hearts and straighten the 
bowed backs of the old Cumberland Army. Though the years of his life 
were told to a generation that has passed, new times and new men clasp 
glad hands with the lingering veterans to keep the Philip Sidney of our 
troubled days a living, loving memory. * 

You remember him, men of tlie Cumberland. Nay, you can never 
forget. You saw him that wild day at Stone River, when our right had 
been crushed and driven in, and the tlushtd victors, following the stars 
of the Southern cross swept down like a resistless A]|)ine flood to engulf 
the doomed center, and a day of disaster and the year were passing to- 
gether. You remember how that human tide of victory wavered, paused, 
rolled back, because — 'the hantl of the master compelled it to i)ause.' 
Thomas was there ! 

You saw him in the cold chill of tiiat terrible September evening at 
Chicamauga — where the army that had faced fearful odds, since the 
morning sunlight of yesteiday, was broken and drilting hack to Chatta- 
nooga, a hopeless, helpless rout — gatiier around him the fragments of 
the wreck, and firm as tlie eternal hills on whicli he leaned, roll hack the 
billows of war that beat against him until the sun went down. 
' Mid the gusts of wild fire, when the iron-clad rain, 
Did ripen brown earth to the reddest of stain, 
In that moment supreme, to their bridles in blood. 
Like a rock in the wilderness grandly he stood, 
Till the red sea was cleft, — 

Thomas was there!' 
You remember that glorious day at Mission Ridge, when i^ith armies 
for audiences, the thunderbolt of the Cumberland gored the tt-mpest of 
war, rolled in desolation up the fire-crowned higlits, burned througii the 
lines of gray veterans, atid .sent them reeling in defeat across Ijie Chica- 
mauga, while {eons cf victory, moving the rock-ribbed hills, told in glad- 
ness the story that the leaguer was raised and the red tield was won. 
Thomas was there! 
You remember Nashville. That fragment of an army facing a ff)e 



282 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

that all the le^nons of the miufhty West had battled for a hundred days— 
the hurried gathering of numbers from detachments, hospitals and con- 
valescent camps — the impatience in high places, that the great soldier 
was slow; forgetful tliat never man was surer, — sturdy resistance to the 
clamor that would hazard victory; and tiien, when all the toils were laid 
and time was full, a great rebel army swept from existence, as though 
earth had opened and swallowed it up. 

Thomas was tlieve! 

On the banks of Stone River, by the waters of Chicamauga, where 
the Tennessee rolls northward from the land of sun ; by the rock-bound 
Cumberland, in bleak December days; from Mill Springs to Nashville; 
wherever Cumberland men fouglit and rebel armies went down, Thomas 
Wits there; and wliere he was, jierched victory. 

Where others were falling, lie stood faithful among the faithless. 

When sacred pledges were 'false as dicers' oatlis,' his pligiited word 
meant what it said ; and the first flash of his naked blade was in deadly 
menace to the recreants who had betrayed their country for a price; told 
in blasted honors, that stand pilloried of time. 

Build monuments to him, Virginia of the new South ! He was your 
greatest son ! Honor his memory, grateful Americans; he was easily the 
peer < f any ! What Wellington was in tenacity, wiiat Frederick was in 
courage, what Washington was in purity of purpose — that Thomas was 
in all. Great in stiiture, great in heart, great in loyalty, grand in deeds. 
'And when his statue is placed on high, 
Under the dome of the Union sky, 
Write only this, for time to read, 
'The Rock of Chicamauga.' 

A soldier of the imtiqne type. He spoke little of his honor; but kept 
it stainless jjs the snow. Mankind is better, nobler, that he lived." 



ADDENDA. 
The official rejiort states that it was Mrs. Acklen's residence, instead 
of Widow Montgomery's, that confronted us on Montgomery Hill, [see 
page 257] ; also, cannons were thrown into Duck River, while the rebels 
were crossing, instead of Tennessee River [see page 272]. 

The Fifty-First was assigned to the 1st Brigade, Nov. 17, '64, and by 
reason of seniority. Colonel Streight assumed command. The brigade 
then consisted of the following regiments: 

81)tli Illinois, Lt.-Col. W^m. D. Williams. 
51st Indiana, Capt. Wm. W. Scearce. 
Sth Kansas, Lt.-Col. John Conover. 
15tli Ohio, Col. Frank Askew. 

Lt.-Col. John McClenahan. 
49th Ohio, Maj. Luther M. Strong. 
Capt. Daniel Hartsough. 



IN ALABAMA AND TENNESSEE. 28r 



IN ALABAMA AND TENNESSEE. 

Saturday, Decembei- 31, 1864, found us still in camp at 
the village of Lexington, Alabama, with orders to move to 
Huntsville. We marched 18 miles that day, in an easterly 
direction, over very rough country, and camped within 4 
miles of Elk River. Thus closed the year '64; and when 
the new year came in, we moved orT to Elk River, where 
we celebrated the holiday by building a pontoon bridge, on 
which to cross that stream. We were then 10 miles north- 
west of Athens, and were subsisting largely off of the fat of 
the land — which was pretty fat at that time. Our head- 
quarters mess will never forget our New Year's dinner. Its 
chief component was the largest shoulder of pork any of us 
had ever seen, and looked like it had been taken from a 
young elephant. Another feature of the banquet was an 
immense camp-kettle of mush. The pork was sliced and 
fried in its fat. Placing a slice on each tin-plate, the copk 
piled on as much rausli as would stay on, dabbed a hole in 
the top, and filled the cavity with gravy. The way we ab- 
sorbed the natural products of that section, must have cre- 
ated in the minds of the natives grave apprehension of a 
famine. ''Are you-uns-all gwine t' ruin we-uns-all?" they 
asked ; and we assured them that we had come to .sore tlKin! 
Then we went on sftrhig tjie fine sweet potatoes, dried fruit, 
pork, honey, etc., which these hypocritical people had been 
industriously cultivating and preserving to feed the rebel 
army with. We had little else to do, save to write letters 
and wash and mend oui- clothes ; but were in constant fear 
of being disturbed in our enjoyment. 



284 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

From this time till about the first of August, we were 
included in the 1st Brigade, 3d Division, 4th Army Corps, 
Department of the Cumberland. 

Our respite was of short duration, and ended on the 3d 
without a moment's warning. All over camp, those who 
were not on regular detail, were reposing quietly, or were 
engaged in the usual games or household duties. Captain 
Scearce, Adjutant Harris and the writer were occupying a 
rail shebang, over which a fly was thrown ; and the first two 
worthies were down on a bed of corn-blades — their feet ele- 
vated on sacks of corn — telling old-time yarns, and having 
a roaring time. The sergeant-major was writing a letter 
home. Just then "Mother" Richeson, Mho was the cap- 
tain's hostler, made his a^Dpearance with a deck of cards, 
followed by two other fellows. Instantly the officers and 
their visitors squared themselves for a game of euclire. At 
brigade headquarters a fine band was discoursing beautiful 
music. Before the letter was finished or the game ended, 
the call was sounded, to "fall in" and cross the river. The 
flapjacks and taffy and parched corn were dumped uncere- 
moniously into haversacks, the curtailed letter was slipped 
into the office desk, the cards were hastily bunched and 
crammed into "Mother's" blouse, and a general rush was 
made to get into line. We passed through Athens the same 
night, and bivouacked three miles east of there ; our mail 
being delivered to us on our arrival at that point. Here 
WQ. received the following announcement of the casualties 
in the two days' fight at Nashville, Dec. 15-1(5, '64 : 



Losses. 


Killed 


. 


Wounded. 


Aggregafr. 




Off. 


Enl'd. 


Off. 


V. 


nlM. 




89th Illinois. 


1 




3 


o 




14 


20 


51st Indiana. 






15 


o 




85 


103 


8th Kansas 






8 


<> 




:>i) 


40 


15th Ohio. 


2 




1 


1 




•1^ 


27 


Xoth Ohio. 






10 


5 




of) 


54 



Total. 3 37 13 101 244 



AT HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA. 285 



''camp green SILVER LAKE. 

Reaching Hiintsville next day, we proceeded to Silver 
Lake, a beautiful body of water, a few miles south of there, 
that spread its bright bosom out among the grand forest 
trees, over which a premature spring was beginning to scat- 
ter its verdure. We found here several "dug-out" boats, 
in which the boys often sported on the sliining water. Our 
camp was known as "Camp Green." We built comforta- 
ble shanties out of poles, over which our "dog-tents" were 
drawn for roofs. Some of these had single-pane windows, 
and many had doors with leather hinges. Chimneys were 
constructed by crossing the ends of sticks, and plastering 
the stack witli mud. Tables and stools and bunks were 
made by driving forks into the ground. Our kitchen uten- 
sils comprised every variety, which the boys picked up on 
the way. By a system of borrowing, these were made to do 
a wonderful amount of service. Wash-bowls were hewed 
out of logs, like sugar-troughs. As soon as it was ascer- 
tained that we would probably remain there some time, a 
commodious log church was erected, in which we held some 
glorious services. The lake was full of geese and ducks 
when we went there, and for a time thousands of birds in 
the trees enlivened us with their music. But our pleasure 
was not characterized with much hilarity. While we were 
marching and fighting, the excitement of the campaign 
gave us little time for sentiment ; but with rest came reflec- 
tion, and with that a sense of our loss of many comrades. 
According to the regimental report, at Pulaski, before the 
retreat, we numbered 815 ; now we numbered 469. Where 
were they? 

January 8, '65, General Wood wrote to General Whip- 
ple, chief of General Thomas' staff, recommending Colonel 
Streight's promotion to be brigadier-general, "for the skill- 
ful manner in which he managed his - brigade in the battle 
of Nashville, for his personal gallantry in the battle, and 



2S() FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

for his unifoi'iii good and soldierly conduct." Like many 
another worthy plan, its operation was delayed too long, 
and the answer came too late. 

"battle of green lake." 
It is strange, upon what slight provocation men may 
fall out with eacli other. Political parties split on tariff or 
protection or free silver ; churches ostracise each other on 
account of some article of faith ; medicine has its "code," 
and the veriest ninny who has been rushed through a "reg- 
ular" institution, would see his patient expire in agony, ere 
he would disgrace his holy "code" by consultation witli an 

"eclectic." 

" Mountains interposed, 
Make enemies of nations, wiio liad else, 
Like kindred drops, been mingled into one." 

Soldiers from the same State, but in different regiments, 
frequently agreed ; but those from different States, while 
bound together by the common bond of patriotism and loy- 
alty, often found cause for dispute. They stood on "rank," 
too ; it was the standard by which almost everything was 
determined. The Fifty-First was regarded by part of the 
others as the pet of the commander ; and naturally enough 
those soldiers were full of envy. This finally led to a rup- 
ture. Some of the boys of the 89th Illinois, that laid on 
our immediate left, got into an altercation with some Co. 
B boys one day, over a trifling matter ; and kept it up till 
long after "taps." Finally, one of the old veterans swore 
that he always ranked "troopees," meaning raw recruits. 
This was an insult that no veteran could make any allow- 
ance for. Like an emetic, one thing brought up another; 
and in a few minutes a hundred brave soldiers of those two 
grand old regiments were out in line, shivering in their 
night-clothes, but with their guns in their hands, ready to 
settle the matter right there and then. They were quieted 
down, however, without bloodshed ; and in time came to be 
the best of friends. But that chilly night of January 31, 



A FRUITLESS EXPEDITION. 287 

'65, is remembered by most of our comrades, as the date of 
the "Battle of Silver Lake." 

A FRUITLESS EXPEDITION. 

Wednesday morning, February 1, at 8 o'clock, our reg- 
iment and the 41st Ohio — of Post's brigade, broke camp, 
and started ostensibly for Eastport, Miss., to guard a train 
consisting of two batteries and about 250 wagons and am- 
bulances. There were also with us four companies of the 
35th Indiana, having charge of a pontoon train, that was 
to accompany us as far as Elk River. The whole was com- 
manded by Lt.-Col. Robert L. Kimberly, of the 41st Ohio. 
We marched 15 miles that day, and went into camp in the 
midst of a heavy fog. We reached Athens, 16 miles fur- 
ther on, the next evening, and on the 3d, made 15 miles ; 
reaching Buck Island Ford, on Elk River, about 4 p. m. 
Finding the ri,ver shallow enough to ford, the pontoons 
were sent back ; and early Saturday morning, the 4th, we 
crossed in wagons, and moved out 12 miles, to Blue Water 
Creek, a small stream, near the Tennessee State line. The 
road was very soft, and frequently the wagons sank to the 
hubs. Several mules mired, and had to be dragged out by 
hitching others to them. It also snowed while we were at 
this point. What was our surprise, on the morning of the 
5th, to receive orders to retrace our steps. That evening 
we recrossed Elk River, and camped about a mile from the 
stream, at the residence of a very outspoken and offensive 
rebel named Strauss. 

As foraging w^as at that time exceptionally good, strict 
orders were deemed necessary to prevent straggling. On 
the evening in question, after we had crossed in wagons, 
the writer was ordered to remain at the ford, and take the 
names of all stragglers. Seventeen of the Fifty-First and 
8 or 10 of the 41st Ohio came to the river some time after 
the last wagon had crossed ; and, of course, were compelled 
to wade. The water was about waist deep, almost freezing 



288 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

cold, and the bed of the stream quite rough and slippery. 
Two of them fell down in the deepest part. The writer had 
built a fire for his own comfort ; and when he beheld the 
pliglit of his comrades, he heaped on more fuel, and made 
a royal bonfire, and received his guests warmly. Then he 
took the name of each transgressor, while they dressed. 
Of these , 2 sergeants and 4 privates of the Fifty-First stood 
guard that night ; as many more the next night ; and so on, 
till all liad paid the penalty. The names were soon forgot- 
ten by the writer, so far as that transaction was concerned ; 
but in 1883, in conversation with Sergeant Wm. Roberts, 
of Co. H, away down in Indiana, he recalled his hospitable 
reception on the bank of Elk River, where he thawed him- 
self out, while his name was recorded for extra duty. 

We proceeded next morning toward Athens, in snow, 
that turned to cold rain before night. Arriving at Athens 
about sundown, we occupied our former camp at that place. 
On Tuesday morning, 7th, we started early in 3 inches of 
snow, and marched 12 miles. As we halted, opposite the 
residence of a man named Cartright, preparatory to going 
into camp, the writer became so cold, that he obtained per- 
mission to go into the house, to keep from freezing. There 
he met a bevy of bright, interesting and neatly clad little 
girls, whose intelligence astonished him. One blue-eyed 
miss of 4 or 5 years, in a stainless check apron, began to 
entertain her guest by spelling great words, at her father's 
dictation. He had been afflicted for two years with heart 
disease and partial paralysis, and his wife had been dead a 
number of years. To an inquiry as to how he managed, 
he replied by casting his eyes toward a window, in the seat 
of which shrank a beautiful girl of 16 years. "There is 
our school teacher," he said. He had taught her ; and she, 
in turn, was educating her sisters and brothers. In a brief 
conversation with her, she proved to possess a rare mind 
and sweet, winning disposition. The guest was rapidly 
losing himself under the irresistible influence of this noble 



WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO TURN UP. 289 

young creature, when in came Doc. King and a lot of other 
headquarters savages, and dispelled the beautiful dream; 
their spurs and traps clanging and clattering like a troop 
of cavalry, which so confused and scared the little darling, 
that she disappeared like a suddenly obscured sunbeam, 
and was seen no more. 

The rest of our journey was monotonous and unimpor- 
tant. Next morning we started quite early, and marched 
to Athens in the snow. We arrived there at sundown, in 
a cold rain, and went into camp in our former quarters. 
On Tuesday, 7tli, we got an early start, and made 12 miles 
in three inches of snow. On the 8th we had but 13 miles 
further to go ; but the bad roads made it hard on the teams, 
and a fresh fall of snow made our progress quite difficult 
and disagreeable. We entered our old camping ground at 
Silver Lake about nightfall, and found our fine bunks all 
gone, and our shanties in ruins. We had a hard time re- 
constructing our domiciles ; but our troubles were soon lost 
and forgotten in the opening of an 8-days' mail. 

February 13, '65, Colonel Streight was in Indiana])olis. 
Nothing of importance occurred ; the usual camp duties oc- 
cupying all our time. The diary of Will Wicker, of Co. F, 
mentions, however, the startling fact that on tliat same day 
he and Pete Camper caught a coon while on picket. Tlie 
weather moderated immediately after, and we had consid- 
erable rain during the rest of that month. 

On the evening of February 20, we received news of 

the capture of (-harlestou, S. C, by General Sherman ; and 

the boys made the night hideous with their vociferous yells 

and bursting of blank cartridges. The brigade band came 

out and played "Hail, Columbia !" We all got out on the 

parade ground, and listened to an excellent speech by one 

of the chaplains ; which he closed by proposing three cheers 

"for old Bill Sherman and his noble army !" which was 

responded to by a miniature eartliquake ; and the entire 

brigade went wild that night, 
lit 



290 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Wednesday, March 1, a very sad accident occurred in 
the 8th Kansas, which aroused our sympathy almost as if 
it had happened in our own regiment. Some one in felling 
a large tree, let it drop on the quarters, killing 1 and badly 
injuring 3 others. 

On the same day, Wm. Armstrong, of Co. F, a recruit 
of '62, was discharged, by reason of expiration of service, 
and started for home. 

Wednesday, March 8, we received the first copy of the 
Huntsville Union, whose name indicates the political senti- 
ment of the paper. Up to this time, the newspapers in the 
South had been so thoroughly subsidized or terrorized, that 
nothing but the most virulent disloyalty and political malig- 
nity, sectional hatred, ostracism and abuse of loyal Union 
citizens, ever appeared in their columns ; while their read- 
ers were kept in constant ignorance of the real status of 
their mushroom confederacy, until they were startled as by 
a thunderclap from a clear sky, to find their Utopia but the 
mirage of diseased minds, already being forever dissipated. 
It was therefore refreshing, to receive damp from the press 
the news from almost every part of the world , unburdened 
of the disgusting pretense of lordlings whose chief boast lay 
in the number and variety of their own half-brothers and 
half-sisters the law and usage of that section entitled them 
to. It was a bold venture in journalism ; for, as soon as 
the Union army was gone, the Union paper would go into 
rapid dissolution, and its projector would find little peace 
or comfort in that locality. 

The weather continued cloudy and cold, with an occa- 
sional clear day. On such days we had brigade or company 
drill. Several officers were absent; some on leave, and a 
few whose time had expired, were mustered out. On the 
12th, word was received that Colonel Streight had resigned. 
Captain Hamilton, being the senior or ranking officer, was 
in command of the regiment. There were lively times at 
headquarters then. Adjutant Harris made the complement 



GOOD-BY TO ALABAMA. 291 

of -a team that would be hard to beat. Hamilton once de- 
clared that Al. Harris was the most generous fellow he ever 
knew — he would give away anything in the world that he 
had. He said, "He gave me the itch at Huntsville, and I 
liked to have never got over it. I almost scratched my 
limbs off!" 

Monday, 13th, we witnessed the spectacle of a soldier 
of the 41st Ohio being paraded before the brigade, with a 
placard on his back bearing the legend "Mutiny." The 
precise nature of his offence was not published ; but he had 
concluded the war was about over, and undertook to loosen 
the bandage, that he fancied was a little tighter than neces- 
sary for his comfort. We had more of such trouble before 
the year was gone . 

GOOD-BY TO ALABAMA. 

We remained at Silver Lake until Wednesday, March 
15, when we received marching orders. By this time that 
lovely pond had succumbed to the inevitable, and every- 
thing within sight or sound had become only distressing 
features of a howling wilderness. We longed for fresh pas- 
tures ; so we welcomed the order to "get ready to march." 
Rations were issued that afternoon, and we marched to the 
railroad depot in Huntsville, where we got aboard a train 
about sunset. The next morning we awoke at Stevenson, 
where we spent the summer of '62, and where we learned 
the difference between "pegged" and "sewed" pies. Here 
we debarked, washed up and made coffee. At Bridgeport 
we waved a long and lasting adieu to Alabama, as we sped 
across the river, and soon after entered the Tennessee bor- 
der. We experienced a real scare in crossing the Falling 
Water, a small stream with very high banks, near White- 
side's, over which a very rickety bridge had been thrown. 
It consisted of long saplings spiked together ; and as our 
train came upon it, it swayed from one side to the otliei-, as 
though it would scarcely require the weight of anothci- man 



292 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

to break down the entire structure. One car jumped the 
track , and bumped over several ties ; but we were running 
very slowly, and were easily stopped. Had the car gone 
off, it must certainly have pulled the train with it, and we 
would all have been dashed to pieces on the rocks 150 feet 
below. Then we proceeded, without further incident, to 
Chattanooga, where we arrived about noon, and laid until 
2 p. M., when we resumed our journey toward the east. As 
the boys were a little short of rations — or thought of going 
up about Knoxville, where they would be — they managed 
to absorb 25 or 30 boxes of hard-tack, which they found 
lying loose in the depot-yard, during our stay there. From 
Chattanooga we flitted rapidly by most of the villages, only 
stopping for fuel and water for the engine. Many sweet 
memories were revived as we passed Cleveland, Athens, 
Charleston, Calhoun and Loudon. At a deserted station, 
we found a number of very nice cedar buckets ; and as we 
had just exhausted our assortment of cedar buckets, this 
was a good opportunity to replenish our stock. And they 
came in very handy the next morning, 17th, when we got 
to Lenoir, wdiere we had to carry water for the engine. A 
nice old fellow who lived just over the mountain, had also 
left several barrels of cider for us at this place ; and again 
the cedar pails came in excellent play. 

AVe passed through Knoxville during that night, and 
arrived at New Market, East Tennessee, Saturday morn- 
ing, March 18. 

The railroad from Hunts ville to New Market, which is 
about 30 miles east of Knoxville, was at that time in an 
execrable condition ; but the soft clay roads were so much 
worse, we were glad to put up with the cinders and bumped 
heads and bruised bones incurred in the jolting journey. 

AT NEW MARKET. 

We found the people of New Market the most loyal of 
any we had met in the South ; and they seemed also pos- 



AT NEW MARKET, E. TENN. 293 

sessecl of a higher and purer civilization. They were plain 
spoken, but not rude nor coarse ; they were pious, and the 
women were modest and polite; and their conversation, 
songs and all their conduct indicated a refinement that was 
natural , and rendered them attractive . And in this lovely 
month of March all nature seemed in harmonious keeping. 

We were camped about half a mile from town, which 
made it convenient tor us to attend church. On Sunday 
morning, 19th, there was preaching at the church nearest 
to our camp, by the chaplain of the 8th Kansas, in which 
he took occasion to score tlie rebels mercilessly. There was 
present a fair representation of ladies, who seemed highly 
delighted. The evening service was conducted by Chaplain 
Randall Ross, of the 15th Ohio. Th^n we had ''social" 
meeting every evening through the week, the church being 
crowded on each occasion. 

In a quiet, sunny spot in the little cemetery, we found 
the grave of our former comrade, Miltiades Cash, a mem- 
ber of the band, who left us March 26, '62, and joined a 
New Jersey cavalry regiment. Loving hands had kept the 
humble mound in order, and a neat head-stone with an ap- 
propriate inscription, marked the place. 

ESCAPE OF MAJOR DENNY AND CAPTAIN GUDE. 

Wednesday, 22d, our regiment experienced a real sen- 
sation by the arrival at our picket line, near this place, of 
Major Wm. N. Denny and Capt. Alfred Gude, of Co. H, 
both of whom had escaped from rebel prison at Chester, 
S. C, about five weeks before, and had traveled on foot all 
the way, about 250 miles, over mountains and through a 
most desolate country. They made their first appearance 
at our line on Mossy Creek, and from their dress were sup- 
posed to be rebel deserters. As soon as it was discovered 
where they belonged, and were informed of the proximity 
of the Fifty-First, they were almost prostrated by the an- 
nouncement. Thcv were conducted to our ])ovs, who were 



294 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

overjoyed to see them. Instantly the travel-worn and tat- 
tered refugees were caught up and borne into camp on the 
shoulders of the delighted comrades, amid deafening shouts 
and wildest demonstrations of joy. They w^ere completely 
disguised by tlie suits of dirty dingy grey, and the changes 
in their countenances produced by hardship. As soon as 
they were able to talk coherently , they gave a very graphic 
and affecting description of their sufferings ; having met 
on their way with barbarous treatment by the most cruel 
and depraved class of people they had ever known. The 
women had proved their worst foes during their difficult 
journey, being generally debauched, drunken and filthy in 
both conduct and conversation, and committed every kind 
of indecency that tongue could describe or fancy picture. 
Fit inhabitants they of the leading State in the murderous 
attempt on the life of the Nation ! The poor fellows were 
soon stripped of their rebel rags, and provided with com- 
fortable suits of blue ; and were made to feel as happy as 
was possible under the circumstances. 

At the same time, Captain McQuidden, of the 5th Ten- 
nessee, who was captured with our command, and escaped 
from rebel prison, also came to the Union lines, and was 
escorted to our camp. He was an excellent man, of j^lain, 
practical sense, and a good soldier ; and we treated him as 
one of our own . 

After a day or two of rest and recuperation in camp, 
the refugees were given leaves of absence, and proceeded 
to their homes. 

Colonel Streight's resignation was accepted March 16, 
and he was at Indianapolis on tlie 20th. The same day, 
Caj)tain Anderson, having recovered from the wound he re- 
ceived at Overton Hill, left that city for the front. 

Our camp at New Market was a very nice one. We 
built fine quarters, and decorated them with cedar, which 
grew plentifully thereabout. General Wood visited us on 
Sunday, 26th, and complimented our boys highly on the 



AT bull's gap. 295 

handsome appearance of our camp. This was of short du- 
ration, however; for on the following Tuesday we received 
orders to jorepare for campaigning. We had since the last 
winter's campaign been supplied with "wall" tents; these 
we turned over, with our camp equipage, and got ready to 
take the road again. 

Wednesday morning, 29tli, we struck tents at 6 o'clock, 
and moved out for Bull's Gap, distant about 45 miles east ; 
crossing Mossy Creek, 4 miles out, and marching 13 miles 
that day. Next day it poured down rain all the forenoon ; 
but w^e pushed right ahead, passing through Morristown, a 
railroad station 5 miles further on, and Russellville, 7 miles 
more, where we camped that night. Friday, 31st, brought 
us to Bull's Gap, about noon. There we built board shan- 
ties, with "dog-tent" roofs, and made ourselves as nearly 
comfortable as we could ; thinking we would remain some 
time. The country was a desolate barren, consisting of a 
succession of blufi' backbone ridges and narrow ravines, 
covered with a sandy alluvium, in which the boys found a 
great quantity of small quartz polygons, resembling dia- 
monds ; the first specimens of which produced a fever of 
excitement in camp, when they were exhibited. The whole 
command was soon out hunting diamonds ; and every one 
expected to go home soon a millionaire. We found also 
many fine specimens of petrifaction, which Longstreet's 
men had turned out with their picks and shovels while for- 
tifying against Burnside. 

We were always eager for our mail . Frequently it was 
delayed, as there were innumerable causes for interruption 
both ways ; and the transportation of the mails was always 
attended with danger of capture by guerrillas. Our chap- 
lain was a cowardly kind of soldier, and nevei' ventured to 
the rear — or any other direction, out of sight of the regi- 
ment. After he resigned, our mail was delivered for a long 
time l)y a brigade orderly, and was distributed to the com- 
panies by the sergeant-major. It was, tlicreforc. a matter 



296 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

of great satisfaction to every one, that at tliis place, Corpo- 
poral Taswell Dodd, of Co. K, was appointed regimental 
postmaster. He continued in this position until he was 
mustered out of the service, October 4, '65, by reason of 
expiration of term of service ; and the postoffice w^as estab- 
lished in the adjutant's tent. 

It was during this month of March, '65, also, that the 
indignity was thrust upon Co. C, of a drunken "troopee" 
being promoted to a lieutenancy over many old war-worn 
veterans, and then hastily advanced to the captaincy of 
that company. He completed the disgraceful farce by de- 
serting the following September. J^alel Emazcetta! 

AT GREENVILLE, TENN. 

On Tuesday, April 4, w^e left Bull's Gap, and marched 
through Blue Springs, the next railroad point, to Green- 
ville, 18 miles; reaching the latter place at night. After 
going into camp, and when our tents were partly up, we 
were again ordered into line, and moved to the east side of 
town, where the boys erected nice slianties and bunks. We 
went to sleep with the cheering news that Grant had cap- 
tured 20,000 prisoners in front of Richmond. There w^as 
great joy all over camp. 

Our camp was located on a beautiful green mound, 
selected with special regard to the health of the boys. We 
had a fine view^ from here, of the surrounding country. On 
one side rose the town, while on the other we looked away 
to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the nearest spur of which 
was distant 10 miles, but which the peculiarity of the at- 
mosphere made to appear not more than 2 or 3. The State 
line of North Carolina was about 15 miles away, and was 
plainly discernible, running along upon the summit of the 
mountains . 

Thursday following, a large detail was made from the 
Fifty-First, to cut railroad ties. The work of general re- 
pairs was being vigorously prosecuted along this line, and 



lee's surrender, "like a iioa!" 297 

our boys again exhibited the skill that had been developed 
under the colonel's direction during the earlier days of tlie 
war. The 80th Illinois was camped near us ; and many 
little tokens of fraternal feeling were exchanged with our 
former fellow-prisoners of war. 

NEWS OF lee's surrender. 

April 10, we received news of Lee's surrender. The 
intelligence seemed almost too good to be true ; yet we had 
been daily expecting it, and were ready for the unbounded 
and universal rejoicing that followed. The enthusiasm in 
the 4th Corps manifested itself in a manner that must cer- 
tainly have convinced the people of that section, of our 
total disregard for expense when we undertook to celebrate. 
It began in the 2d Division, and was the result of a mad 
freak of one company. That company, just before "taps" 
that night, marched out along the railroad, and discharged 
their guns. Another company followed suit ; and it was 
not long until the whole division was engaged. It lasted 
nearly three hours. Our boys were just retiring, when an 
orderly came galloping down with the order to "fall in." 
The order was instantly obeyed ; and in a very few minutes 
every man was in line. We remained in line about an 
hour, when another orderly announced that the men might 
return to tlleir quarters. Gradually the noise subsided; 
and by midnight the camps were as quiet as a cemetery. 

"like a hog !'' 
We passed, in town, the Williams residence, where the 
noted horsethief and murderer, John Morgan, of Lexing- 
ton, Ky., was killed, while skulking from his captors. The 
snaggle-toothed old hag who survived the family, and who 
stood guard over the house, treated the very civil and cour- 
teous inquiries of our boys quite contemptuously, and shut 
the door violently in tlieir faces. The guerrilla Morgan 
was killed in that house, or just as he jumped from the low 
gallery into the garden below, by Andrew G. Campbell, of 



298 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

a Tennessee cavalry troop. Some time previous to that,. 
Morgan had discovered Captain Keenan, a United States 
officer, at his home, near this place, very sick. He is said 
to have killed the officer, and placing him in an old wagon, 
ordered his men to "haul him off like a hog!" It is also 
said that when Campbell shot Morgan, he took the body up 
on his horse, carried it out of town a short distance, and 
threw it down in the road, saying, ''There you are, like a 
hog!" Campbell was promoted to a lieutenancy for this 
service, as he deserved to be. 

Further down the street was the home of Andy John- 
son, in front of which still hung his old sign, that read : 



A. JOHNSON, TAILOR. 



A dilapidated sign, on a dilapidated house; fit token of 
the dilapidated record of a very dilapidated citizen ; who 
would have served this Nation a million times better, if he 
had continued to make and mend breeches for the people 
of that obscure village, than he did in ''making treason 
odious" by placing traitors on top, and by helping to neu- 
tralize a large part of what had been accomplished by the 
war ; and thereby putting a stain upon our flag and Gov- 
ernment, that has ever since brought the bli^sli of shame 
to every patriot's cheek. 

Martin Clinesmith, a German boy in Co. D, who was 
sadly afflicted with epilepsy, bit his tongue so severely in 
a fit, one day, that he died from the result, and was buried 
here. George McCormick, of Co. A,- is also recorded as 
having died at this place. 

On Tuesday, April 11, a heavy rain set in, that con- 
tinued unceasingly until about noon of the 13tli ; and the 
entire surface of the earth in that section was reduced to 
an immense puddle of mud. The atmosphere was a misty 
soggy, aguish sort, that penetrated one's bones even ; and 
all nature seemed ashamed of itself. 



THANKSGIVING IN CAMP. 299' 

Friday, 14th, was observed as a day of thanksgiving > 
We had no turkeys, save the kind 

" wiiioli our commissary found, 
While we were mju'ching throufili Cieoriiia; " 
and they were precious scarce just then. But the battery 
opened its chorus of patriotic voices, and 100 rounds went 
roaring away to the distant Blue Ridge, and bounding over 
the rocky bed of the French Broad River, whose head was 
found among the neigliboring foothills. Our hearts were 
full of gratitude for the great deliverance of our land from 
anarchy and ruin and shame. War was over, and peace 
was declared ; and official acknowledgment, made by the 
authorized leaders of the so-called "Confederate States of 
America," that they were whipped, was formally and uni- 
versally published. The infamous rebellion of hot-headed 
slave-drivers of the South and white niggers of the North, 
was crushed out ; and the tag-ends that occupied East Ten- 
nessee, West Virginia and North Carolina, were fleeing be- 
fore the wrath of the loyal natives, and were glad to find 
refuge under the protecting folds of the stars and stripes- 
they had so lately insulted and outraged. 

PRESIDENT Lincoln's death. 
But our joy was turned to deepest gloom and sorrow 
on the following day, when the news of the assassination of 
President Lincoln came. It spread like a pall over every 
heart ; and the whole day was a season of humiliation and 
awe toward tlie Almighty Father, who controlled the desti- 
nies of nations and individuals, and was bringing our land 
through the divided waters to the fruition of our long de- 
ferred hopes. In our grief, therefore, we rejoiced, though 
we were no longer jubilant. The Moses of our pilgrimage 
was only permitted to look over into the promised glory of 
our great Nation, but not to possess it ; and tlie shadow of 
our martyred President floated over our sad hearts. The 
sacrifice was a worthy one, and fit to crown the pyramid of 
noble lives tliat had already been yielded up for the cause 



300 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

of human liberty. Our cause was triumphant, and the 
Nation was saved. 

" Who said that tlie stars in our banner were dim — 

That their glory luui faded away? 
Look up and beiiold ! how briglit tlirough each fold 

They are flashing and smiling to-day ! " 

Sunday, 16th, two 3d Ohio officers, who had escaped 
from some rebel prison, came into our lines here, dressed 
in rebel uniforms. They were soon supplied with decent 
clothing, and forwarded to their homes. 

Next day stragglers from Lee's vanquished army began 
coming in. They were nearly starved, and devoured the 
provisions our boys gave them ravenously. 

On the 20th, tlie work on the railroad was completed, 
and a train of cars arrived. They were the first that had 
run here since the Union troops had occupied this place. 

BACK TO NASHVILLE AGAIN. 

Saturday, April 22, we struck tents at sunrise, and 
bidding adieu to Greenville, retraced our steps to Bull's 
Gap, arriving there at 3 p. m. Scarcely were we settled in 
camp, before Lee's men, by thousands, began to swarm in, 
who having stacked their guns and piled up their traps on 
the field where they surrendered, had proceeded this far on 
their way back to their homes. We divided our rations 
with them ; which, in their half-starved condition, were 
gladly, if not gratefully, received. 

Next day our wagon train moved out early for Knox- 
ville , with orders to turn over everything there to the de- 
partment. Things looked very much like we were going 
home ; but we had been deceived so many times, that we 
did not bank much on mere appearances. Our brigade re- 
mained at Bull's Gap till Thursday, 27th. During this 
time large detachments of paroled rebel soldiers from Lee's 
army continued to pass through ; one entire brigade camp- 
ing near us on the 26th. On the 27th, we embarked on a 
railroad train for Knoxville, where we arrived at 3 p. m.. 



RETURN TO NASHVILLE. 301 

tlie same day, and remained till 11 o'clock that night. We 
proceeded thence, in comfortable box-cars, to Chattanooga, 
which we reached at noon ; bnt we did not stay for dinner. 
Possibly our last experience there had some relation to our 
hasty passage through the town. We got to Stevenson at 
sunset, and laid there till 9 o'clock, when we proceeded on 
our way, reaching Murfreesboro about 9 o'clock Saturday 
morning, April 29, and Nashville about noon. Thence we 
moved out to a point 4 miles from that city, on the Chicken 
pike, which led into the Murfreesboro pike, and was close 
to a beautiful little stream called Mill Creek. This stream 
was about 75 feet wide, and 3 to 12 feet deep. Our camp 
was named in honor of our former brave young command- 
er, Gen. Charles G. Harker. Here we were shortly joined 
by Major Denny, who was then the ranking officer of the 
regiment. He had enjoyed his fui'lough, and was greatly 
improved in appearance. Other officers and enlisted men, 
of whom it has been impossible to obtain either names or 
any particulars, also returned to the regiment in this camp. 
May came in with smiling face ; and the boys, inspired 
with the confident expectation of speedy discharge, spruced 
up a little in anticipation of the meeting that awaited them 
with ' ' the girl they left behind them . ' ' 



.'302 , FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



DISSOLUTION. 



THE LAST REVIEW. 

On the otli, orders were received to prepare for a grand 
review. That day and the next we had regimental drill, 
and on Sunday, 7th, regimental inspection. The following 
day was occupied very actively by every one in burnishing 
guns and bayonets and swords, and trimming up wagons, 
.ambulances, artillery, tents and camp equipage of all sorts, 
and otlierwise perfecting each command for the review. 

Tuesday, May 9, was a lovely day ; and every one was 
in fine spirits ; though each was impressed with a degree of 
seriousness that was always present. We were soon to be 
forever disbanded ; and it was desired that when we doffed 
the soldier uniform, we would have one particular occasion 
by which we would remember our last association as an or- 
ganization. The ground on which General Thomas was to 
review his splendid army for the last time, was well chosen, 
being the same on which we had accomplished our glorious 
victory over the rebel hosts under Hood, the winter before. 
The lines were formed at 10 o'clock, a. m., and a salute of 
13 guns announced the presence of the commander, and 
was the signal for the commencement of the review. The 
general, accompanied by his staff, then taking position on 
the right, rode slowly down the line, proudly waving his 
hat at the boys, who responded enthusiastically by present- 
ing arms, dipping of colors and glad shouts. There was 
hand-shaking and tears, as the meaning of this occasion 



THE LAST GRAND REVIEW. 303 

crept into the intelligence of the Ijrave boys who formed 
this historic assemblage of the greatest army that ever was 
organized on earth ; and which was to be the last general 
gathering this side of eternity. Four tedious years of tire- 
some marches, bloody battles, watching and enduring, had 
■ we been together, commander and comuKind ; through the 
dark valley of the shadow of death, that brought destruc- 
tion, but never real disaster ; and down the pleasant slopes 
of final triumph and victory ! Well might the tattered 
flags, that told the whole story, droop low to our hero and 
our pride, as he passed ! The boys remembered it all. In 
those lines were the bronzed veterans who had been with 
him at Mill Springs, while the Fifty-First was constructing 
corduroy road at Hall's Gap, in order to furnish his com- 
mand with supplies ; at Stone River, where Marker's brave 
brigade withstood Breckenridge's vaunted division ; at the 
slaughter of Chicamauga ; at Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, 
Franklin, Nashville, and a hundred other fields, brouglit 
to full view by our decimated ranks. The thought that the 
old Cumberland Army, one of the proudest and most uni- 
formly successful armies that ever was organized, was to be 
disbanded forever, produced in advance a sense of loneli- 
ness that few could resist. None of us were fond of war ; 
but there had grown up between the boys an attachment 
for each other, they never had, nor ever will 'have, for any 
other body of men. This fraternity is still preserved ; and 
they will treasure forever and aye, the affection cemented 
on field of battle and on weary march, in sickness, hunger 
and cold ; and that bound equally, as with cords of steel, 
commanders and commanded. 

In the Cumberland Army there was no "featlier-bed" 
business — no toadyism. Those soldiers — with rare excep- 
tions ; and we didn't call tlicm soldiers — won their honors ; 
and deservedly they now enjoy them wherever loyalty and 
patriotism hold over copperheadism and bossism. Those 
boys who had lain on the cold, dam]) ground ; maivhed in 



304 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the sweltering, scorching heat of southern summer suns, in 
clouds of dust and drifts of sand ; through storms of rain 
and sleet and hail ; and endured all manner of hardship 
and trial and suffering that mortality is capable of, through 
four long years ; and all for the noble cause we had all so 
freely espoused, will not forget each other while life lasts ; 
but there will ever linger a fond recollection of the multi- 
tude of incidents of mutual interest, that shall tend to 
unite them even more firmly, as their lives approach the 
end ; and that will be calculated to make ours a better Na- 
tion. We had learned many things. Our experience in 
state affairs had been considerably extended, our wits were 
brightened, and our judgment strengthened. We had not 
scented out nice hams and shoulders in underground bins, 
salt in fodder-shocks, potatoes and other good things in ob- 
scure corners, to no purpose. We all realized this, and we 
believed along with it that, conversely with the prediction 
of demagoguic copperheads, ''that the dissolution of the 
army would scatter broadcast, as an ej)idemic in the land, 
a horde of thieves and cutthroats such as no nation ever 
was afflicted with," — we were better men, save physically, 
than we were when we went in. 

• The review closed about 3 p. m. ; being witnessed by 
thousands of citizens. Accompanying the review, the fol- 
lowing general order was issued : 

"G FUNERAL Orders Hdqrs. Dept. of the Cumberland,) 

No. 30. Nashville, Tenn. May 10, 1865. j" 

Tlie general commanding the department takes pride in conveying 
to the Fourth Army Corps the expression of liis admiration, excited by 
tiieir briUiant and martial display at the review of yesterday. 

As the battalions of your magnificent corps swept successively before 
the eye, the cfddest heart must liave warmed with interest in contempla- 
tion of tiiose men wlio had passed through the varied and siiifting scenes 
of tills great modern tragedy, wiio iiad stemmed with unyielding breasts 
the rebel tide tlireatening to engulf tiie landmarks of freedom, and who, 
bearing on their bronzed and furrowed brows the ennobling marks of the 
years of hardship, suffering and privation, undergone in defense of free- 
dom and the integrity of the Union, could still preserve the light step, 
and wear the cheerful expression of youth. 



IN CAMP HARKER, NASHVILLE. 305 

Thoiigl) your gay and broidered banners, wrougbt by dear hands far 
iiway, were all shred and war-worn, were they not blazoned on every 
stripe with words of glory — Shiloh, Spring Hill, Stone River, CliieUa- 
manga, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and many other glorious names, 
too numerous to mention hi an order like this? By your prowess and 
fortitude you have ably done your part in restoring the golden boon of 
peace and order to your once distracted but now grateful country, and 
your commander is at length enabled to give you a season of well-earned 
rest. 

But, soldiers, while we exult at our victories, let us not be forgetful 
of those brave, devoted liearts, whicli, pressing in advance, throbbed 
their last amid the smoke and din of battle, nor withhold our sympathy 
for the afflicted wife, child and iuother, consigned, far off at home, to 
lasting, cruel grief. 

By command of Major-General Thomas. 

VVM. D. WHIPPLE, 
Assistant Adjutant- General, 

IN CAMP HARKER, NASHVILLE. 

During our stay in Camp Harker, we had many visit- 
ors, botli from the city and from home. Among the latter^ 
was the wife of Capt. J. A. Delano, who was an excellent 
lady, and was greatly admired and respected by all who 
knew her. She visited our camp on Saturday, May 13, in 
company with the captain ; on which occasion the boys of 
Co. F gave her a reception. 

On the 16th a number of the comrades visited the bat- 
tle-field on Overton's Hill, where on December 16, '64, our 
command covered itself with glory by its successful assault 
on the enemy's stronghold, and by sweeping from existence 
Lee's entire corps of rebels. Many relics were picked up, 
which were subsequently sent home as souvenirs of that 
historic ground and its remarkable associations. 

Friday, May 19, we had brigade drill, under the direc- 
tion of our new comnuxnder. Gen. Chas. C. Doolittle, who 
also inspected the regiment on the following Tuesday. We 
continued each Sunday to have regimental inspection. 

A very distressing accident occurred on the 2*2d. 'I'wo 
soldiers, Wm. S. Woodsworth, of Co. H, and another com- 
rade, whose name could not be learned, were drowned in 

20 



306 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Mill Creek, while bathing. Their bodies were recovered, 
and properly cared for. 

Saturday, June 3, orders were received for all '62 men 
to be mustered out of the service. This created quite a 
sensation throughout the entire army ; the veterans intui- 
tively foreseeing a continuation of their service, in some 
capacity. The solution was not long delayed ; and a deep 
murmur of disappointment involuntarily issued from the 
boys who, having borne the heat and burthen of the war, 
had indulged a fond dream that its end was very near ; yet 
no one uttered a word of complaint, when it was officially 
announced that the 4tli Corps was ordered to Texas. There 
was great activity among t)ie '62 boys, from that time on, 
completing muster-out rolls, taking inventory of arms, ac- 
couterments and camp equipage. On the 6th, they signed 
the pay-rolls, and on the 9th, they turned over their guns, 
etc., and on the 14th, were formally mustered out. 

A circular was issued about this time from corps head- 
quarters, directing regimental and battery commanders, 
the terms of service of whose regiments or batteries would 
not expire till after the 31st of October, to prepare their 
rolls immediately for payment to April 30, 1865. Our rolls 
were soon completed , and forwarded ; they were for eight 
months. There was little said about this among the vete- 
rans, but there was a settled conviction that something was 
behind it. This was, however, largely removed on receipt 
of the Cincinnati Commercial of May 27, containing the 
following. Governor Morton was doing all he could, now 
that the war was over, to have his boys relieved and sent 
home. He had telegraphed to Washington for informa- 
tion regarding the muster-out of Indiana soldiers, and this 

was the reply : 

" Washington, May 26, 1865. 
Governor Morton: 

I liave just returned from General Grant. He says all 
muster out rolls will be made here, but no discliarge papers will be given 
to the men, who will be taken in a body to Indianapolis, and paid tiiere. 



GUYING "WAR CORRESPONDENTS." 307 

All veterans will remain in service, unless Kirby Smith has surrendered; 
in which case they also will be mustered out at once. Western troops 
are to be sent home first, immediately after tlie first of June." 

"Unless Kirby Smith has surrendered !" Aye, there 
was the rub ! The boys were filled with deliglit by a report 
that Kirby Smith had surrendered. But he had not; and 
Secretary Stanton had gotten it into his head t>hat he had 
no thought of surrendering, but would keep up the war in 
Texas. Besides this, Maximilian witli an army of French 
soldiers had invaded Mexico ; and it could not be told what 
sort of combination might not be made to thwart the pur- 
pose of the Government, and prolong hostilities. So it was 
determined to send the 4th Corps to Texas. 

About the 10th of June, word was received at regimen- 
tal headquarters that we would certainly go at once to New 
Orleans. This intelligence was general, and soon became 
the all absorbing topic of conversation. It was re2:)orted 
that one brigade openly declared they would not go ; and 
we anticipated a little trouble on their account and those 
who might be influenced to mutiny. Wiser counsel pre- 
vailed, however, and these fears were all dispelled before 
the time came to move. 

NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENTS. 

One class of persons that annoyed us, was that sort of 
newspaper correspondents who, having secured a very soft 
assignment, without adequate qualification for such posi- 
tion, were ready to grasp at anything that came their way. 
They furnished a fine mark for our wags, and were made 
the mediums of a good deal of sport among the comrades. 
They were about as brave as tlie average of quartermasters' 
clerks, and about as intelligent. One of these news-suckers 
would fasten onto an old soldier with 

"Aw, beg pawdon ! I learn you are going to Texas. 
Saw several transports at Nasliv'l, which tlie soldiers said 
were to take you down the river." 

And whipping out his little scratch-pad and pencil, as 



308 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

lie adjusted his eye-glasses, he got ready for a stunning re- 
port. And he got it. 

"Yes," replied the veteran, "we knew that several 
days ago. Our general commanding has orders to take his 
command to Corpus Christopher, and fit 'em up for a two 
years' campaign in Western Texas and Mexico." 

"Possible? Aw, by Jove ! that's a long time." 

"Yes ; we've had all our guns packed in boxes, so they 
won't be in our way. Each man is to be promoted as cap- 
tain, and our present officers are to be put into nigger reg- 
iments and sent to the Sandwich Islands, to promote order 
in that colony." 

"Wonderful scheme, that! And — " 

"Well, we are to be presented with a thousand acres 
apiece of the best land in the South, with incomes of five 
to ten thousand a year." 

So he would run on , with one big yarn after another ; 
appealing to some other comrade for corroboration, when- 
ever the astonished pencil-driver's credulity seemed to take 
a check or to waver ; occasionally weaving in something a 
little plausible, to make the rest appear at least possible. 
Then the delighted correspondent would seek a quiet spot, 
and fix up a great story for some one of the enterprising 
dailies. Nine out of ten of these smart reporters, or those 
who were not old soldiers, could not be relied on for a true 
report; their dialect "gave them away" instant!}', and pre- 
vented their gaining information to which the shibboleth of 
the old soldier would have obtained for him ready and wel- 
come access. We were clannish, and besides we despised 
the pedantry and quackery that characterized the majority 
of war correspondents. 

Surgeon Collins, being the ranking surgeon of our di- 
vision, was placed in charge of the general field hospital. 
He at once detailed Ast. Surgeon King and Steward Fitch 
for duty at his headquarters. Dr. King was intrusted with 
the care of several wards of the hospital, where he clistin- 



THE MYSTERY SOLVED. 309 

guisbed himself by bis efficiency and industry. Tbe dis- 
pensary and medical supplies were supervised by Steward 
Fitcb, assisted by 3 prescription clerks and 7 nurses. This 
detail was materially increased afterward. The necessity 
for this detail will be seen, when it is known that sometimes 
there were 300 patients in the various wards at one time. 
Most of these, however, were sent to the hospital after we 
had been in Texas some time , and were afHicted with mala- 
ria peculiar to that country, known as "breakbone" fever, 
a sort of combination of every ache and pain and disagree- 
able feeling or condition known to humanity, and that is 
more fully described further on. 

THE REASON OF IT ALL. 

As the dissolution of the Cumberland Army began at 
this time ; our removal from Nashville being the first scene 
in the great final act ; the following, from Van Home's 
History of the Army of the Cumberland, vol. 2, page 369, 
will probably fit in here better than elsewhere ; and it will 
certainly be of genuine interest to every one of the Fifty- 
First veterans : 

The surrender of the remaining Confederate armies and forces east 
and west of the Mississippi river soon followed the capituhition of Geti- 
eral Johnson and tlie capture of JNIr. Davis. Preparations were tlien 
promptly made to disband the national armies, witii tlie retention of sucli 
forces only as were necessary to prevent political and socal cliaos in the 
Soutiiern States. 

The formal unity of the Army of tiie Cumberland was restored l)efore 
its divsolution by the return of the Fourteentii ahd Twentieth Corps witli- 
in the territorial limits of the Department of the Cumberlanti. This re- 
union of the grand units under their revered commander was eminently 
api)ropriate as well as historically imperative. Their dismemberment at 
Goldshoro, North Carolina, occurring after their last liattle had been 
fought, did not really impair the historical unity of this great army. 
.Still, there would have been a jtainful lack of complete roundness in its 
mere organic unity, bad two corps been (lisl)anded outside tiie territorial 
limits of the dei)artment. 

During the summer of 1805, tbe 4th Corps was also temporarily de- 
tached, land sent upon a mission to Texas under General Sheridan, liut 
it, too, was soon remanded to tiie Department of tlie Cumberland, to be 
disbanded, as were the Fourteenth and Twentieth, by General Tiiomas. 



310 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

P'rom the 1st of June, 1865, to February 1, 1866, there were mustered 
out of the service of the United States, from tlie Army of the Cumber- 
land, five tliousand and eighty-three commissioned ofHcers and one hun- 
dred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred and thirty-three enhsted 
men, exchisive of sixteen regiments of cavah-y, whose strength was not 
definitely reported. About twenty tliousand volunteer troops were re- 
tained within tlie Military Division of the Tenjiessee, under the com- 
mand of Major-General George H. Thomas, until a later period. From 
the data given, the strength of the Army of the Cumberland, at the close 
of the war, may be placed, with approximate correctness, atone hundred 
and seventy-five thousand men. And when these heroic citizen soldiers 
were remanded to the duties of civil life, the Army of the Cumberland 
passed from organic existence to live in history as an army unsurpassed, 
if equaled, by any of the great armies which participated in our gigantic 
civil war — as one of the grandest that ever battled for country or freedom. 

This army fought, unaided, the battles of "jNIill (Springs," "Perry- 
ville," "Stone River," "Chickamauga," "Wauhatchee" and "Benton- 
ville;" gave essential aid to the Army of the Tennessee, at "Fort Donel- 
son" and "Pittsburg Landing;" in combination with that army, but in 
twofold strength, gained the decisive victories on Lookout Mountain and 
Missionary Ridge; furnished more than half the forces for the Atlanta 
campaign, placing upon its banners the historic fields of "Buzzard's 
Ror.st," "Resaca," "Rome," "New Hope Church," "Kenesaw Moun- 
tain," "Peach Tree Creek," "Atlanta," and ".Jonesboro ;" at Jonesboro, 
represented by the Fourteenth Corps, made the only successful assault, 
in force, during the Atlanta campaign, carrying intrenchments held by 
Hardee's corps; formed the left wing of the army which marched from 
Atlanta to Savannah, and then swept through the Carolinas to Rich- 
mond and Washington ; divided the glory of "Franklin" with the Army 
of the Ohio, and tiiat of "Nashville" with the Armies of the Tennessee 
and Ohio; and, represented by the troopers of Generals Wilson and 
Stoneman, rusiieii through Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and North Car- 
olina, in swift and brilliant sequence to the great central battles of the 
war. This army, in its unity, never gave but one field to the enemy, 
But when it yielded the bloody ground of Chickamauga, it had revealed, 
under conditions of battle greaily unequal, its invincibility within fair 
terms of conflict. But even here it gained the fruits of victory, under 
the semblance of defeat, as it held Chattanooga, the objective of the 
campaign. 

A QUERY RAISED. 

Would the veracious chronicler state when, and the 
exact locality, within the territory of the Department of 
the Cumberland, when the act of remanding occurred, to 
which the 4th Corps was taken? According to the official 
order of Gen. D. S. Stanley, afterward commanding the 



HAPPY THOUGHT. 311 

District of .Texas, the principal part of it was mustered out 
in Texas, and were then "remanded" to the States whence 
they volunteered or were drafted from, for final discharge. 
The Fifty-First came directly by way of steamship to New 
Orleans; thence, without delay, to Cairo, on steamboats ; 
and by the shortest railroad line thence to Indianapolis ; as 
will be detailed further on. Now, it is possible, that, in 
order to preserve this "complete roundness in its organic 
unity," some of the troops were switched off en route, and 
posed in interesting and impressive tableaux to be photo- 
graphed for future newspaper enterprises. But the Fifty- 
First was denied this additional pleasure. 

What a happy thought, though, there was in "com- 
pleting the roundness of our organic unity ! " What sub- 
limity and transcendent "appropriateness" in the "reunion 
of the grand units," that caused the loss of hundreds of 
noble lives that went out on the plains of Texas, and on 
the way there and return ! What a blessed reflection upon 
the intelligence and judgment and justice and mei>cy of the 
authorities, who had but to command the loyal 4th Corps, 
to insure prompt and thorough obedience ! Some would 
have denounced it all as sheer assumption and nonsensical 
display ; but only because they were incapable of fathoming 
and appreciating the beautiful and eternal tJi I lu/ne. s>i of the 
wliat ! The war of the rebellion had ended, and our liearts 
had fondly contemplated the glad reunion with the dear 
ones at home. But in this was repeated, for the millionth 
time, the old couplet, — 

"O, ever tluis, from cliildhood's hour, 
I've known my fondest liopeh' decay I 

and we made up our minds for another tedious campaign. 
The boys' could find no other cause for the movement, save 
that certain ends of personal aggrandizement were not yet 
consummated ; and it was determined to test the gauge a 
little further. They were philosophical, tliough , and h)yal 
to the core ; and resolved to stand it. 



312 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Tliiiik of the boys who ''went at their country's call," 
enduring every species of hardship incident to war in the 
South; and in addition to this, think of them breathing 
fever, penetrating mesquite jungles, making their beds in 
the presence of slavering wolves and with the ubiquitous 
greybacks ; fighting clouds of gallinippers ; guarding them- 
selves with empty guns against the hyenas, alligators and 
murderous Texans ; constantly in peril of death in some 
form — all to gratify the whim of an excited and pertina- 
cious official, or for the purpose of making somebody mili- 
tary governor, or of securing a fat railroad contract — for 
such was the conviction of many other than ignorant pri- 
vates ; and there is great wonder that human integrity and 
fidelity should be able to endure this last test. Thousands 
of those who went the circuit of that campaign , are still no 
nearer its solution than they were when they entered the 
Lone Star State. 

OFF FOR NEW ORLEANS. 

Friday morning, June 16, 1865, the 4tli Corps ''fell in 
and counted off," and at the command took up its sorrow- 
ful tramp to Nashville, where cars were waiting to convey 
us to Johnsonville, on the Tennessee River, distant eighty 
miles almost due west from Nashville. The boys did not 
relish this trip much ; but as we were whirled across that 
battle-scarred State for the last time, each tried to solace 
his partner by predictions of a surprise, and of speedy re- 
turn to their homes. We arrived at Johnsonville the same 
evening in time to stow our baggage safely in the steamers 
that lay at the most convenient landings at and near that 
town. The Fifty-First was consigned to the boat "W. F. 
Curtis," Captain Hunt, master, and Thomas Benton Mid- 
dles wart, the gentlemanly and big-hearted clerk. On this 
snug craft we loaded our traps, and got to bed as soon as 
practicable, the enlisted men distributed about the decks, 
and the commissioned officers occupying the state-rooms. 



DOWN THE RIVER. 313 

All the boys had plenty of money, having retained their 
recent 8-month's allowance, with the thought of taking it 
home, and would have been glad to pay for the luxury of a 
state-room ; but all were tired , and such distinction faded 
out soon, as sweet Morpheus wafted them to their far-away 
homes, which were gradually growing more dimly distant, 
and the chances of going there more beautifully less. As 
we proceeded down the Tennessee, they found some com- 
pensation in the lovely landscape on either shore of the 
river, as our fleet, consisting of 11 boats, sped along; the 
murky trails of smoke streaming away from the lofty spec- 
tral stacks, down upon the bosom of the water. Here, on 
the right, is a clump of trees, whose branches overhang the 
margin, beneath whose grateful shadows has sported many 
a disciple of Isak Walton. A poetic comrade remarked 
that the scene reminded him of the "Lady of the Lake," 
and he looked to see her "leave the shore." Beyond rose 
the majestic spurs of the Cumberland Mountains, and they 
seemed to hover over us, as they reached away to the sky ; 
and we were filled with adoration of the great Architect, 
who "measured the waters in the hollow of his hand," who 
"weighed the mountains in scales," and to whom "the na- 
tions are as a drop in the bucket." Cool springs trickled 
from the rocks, and sparkled in the sunshine, as they went 
to join the river in its course to the sea. 

The first day out the boys began early to take observa- 
tions about the steamer ; and it was not long before they 
were on speaking terms with most of the crew, and had 
even penetrated the sacred precinct of the clerk's office, 
where a few, who were bolder than the rest, as dinner ap- 
proached, had secured tickets for the first table. Soon 
others who felt keenly the necessity for "completing the 
roundness of their organic unity," strode bravely up to the 
desk and applied for dinner tickets. They were met l>y a 
volume of sulphurous vapor that rolled out from that office 
and down over the decks, while beliind it was the clerk, in 



314 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

"fine frenzy rolling," and calling on all the gods of heathen 
mythology to deliver him from a lot of military orders he 
had received, as a sort of bills of lading, along with his 
human cargo, and which he was required to weave into his 
"log," which, being interpreted, signifies the journal of 
transactions and events of each trip. 

SUBSTANTIAL GRATITUDE. 

It is a strange fact, that humanity lives and prospers 
off of each other's distresses ; and one man's extremity is 
another's opportunity. To one sympathizing inquirer, who 
was among the applicants at the window, the clerk replied 
by asking the soldier what his position was. 

"I am sergeant-major." 

The clerk had been a soldier himself, long enough to 
know something about the experience common to the office 
of sergeant-major. He exclaimed, joyously, 

"You're an angel from heaven ! You're the very fel- 
low I want. Can't you help me?" 

"Why, I guess so. What is it?" 

"Well, for heaven's sake, come in here and straighten 
this out ; and I'll make it interesting for you the rest of 
this trip!" 

He said he had no trouble about the boat, nor with his 
regular business ; but those blamed military orders took all 
the wind out of him. 

It required about half an hour to "straighten out" his 
log ; but before it w^as through, he had satisfied the hungry 
crowd at the window ; and drawing his new assistant from 
the desk, the delighted clerk, with a grin that reached half 
way around his head, led him to the private table of the 
boat's officers. Seating him at a convenient corner, he 
beckoned the steward to him, and gave him special instruc- 
tion to look after the new boarder ; adding, "You take this 
place every meal !" After dinner, the steward escorted the 
soldier through the cabin, selected a state-room, and hand- 



AT PADUCAH, KY. 31S 

ing the soldier the key, ordered the porter to put his bag- 
gage in that room . At the same time the steward inquired 
if his guest had a partner ; and on being introduced to 
Comrade Dodd, he was invited to occupy the upper berth. 
So they lived like princes till we landed at New Orleans. 
The new assistant-clerk made himself useful at the desk, a 
few minutes each day, and kept the "log" clear of military 
snags ; and the old master of the boat tried hard to induce 
him to get a discharge from the army, and continue on the 
boat, at a fine salary. But we were all in for "during the 
war," and it was a matter of conscience to see it through. 
Quite early in the morning of the 17th, we passed Fort 
Henry, the scene of the early conquest of General Grant, 
and also of the harrowing events in the organization of the 
"Provisional Brigade ;" and we quietly drifted as close as 
possible to the old stronghold, which had tumbled to ruins, 
and was overgrown with grass and weeds. While creeping 
leisurely along here, some of the boys on the different ves- 
sels of the fleet, realizing that their usefulness as soldiers 
was at an end, and desiring to transform their swords into 
pruning-hooks, noiselessly launched themselves into the 
river; but waved their hands wildly, when they saw the 
steamers' crews about to send out boats, thinking they had 
fallen overboard. They went home, enjoyed a brief visit,, 
and joined us shortly after we reached Texas. They were, 
of course, reported "absent without leave," but a little 
"extra duty" squared the account, and removed whatever 
disability may have existed. 

AT PADUCAH, KY. 

Arriving at Paducah, Ky., at tlie moutli of the Ten- 
nessee River, and 500 miles below Cincinnati, on tlie Ohio, 
we were permitted to go ashore. This town before the war 
was the principal shipping point of that part of Kentucky, 
and vast quantities of pork, tobacco, mules, horses, etc.,. 
were sent up or down the Oliio River, to say notliing of an 



316 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

extensive slave traffic that had been established with New 

Orleans and other Lower Mississippi towns. Its glory had 

"Gone, alas! like the many 
That bloomed—" 

and luxuriated in that sacred soil of neutrality. As soon as 
the boats landed , a swarm of men broke loose through the 
town. Being Sunday, the business houses were all closed, 
of course, as the law directs ; but, like a great many of our 
alleged attorneys, "necessity knows no law;" and the pro- 
cession rallied on several stores, compelled the proprietors 
to sell them whatever they required, and slipped back to 
the boats, where General Willich, who was then command- 
ing our brigade, was fluttering around like an old hen with 
a litter of ducks in a pond. He made a fine little speech, 
laying the whole mischief onto the Fifty-First, and swear- 
ing he would "hang every blanked rascal" he could find, 
as an example to the rest. And that was the end of it. A 
little more restriction was placed upon the whole command 
that day ; but it only lasted till we got to Cairo. 

We re-embarked soon after, and as soon as pilots were 
secured for all of the boats, we procteded down the Ohio. 
The scenery along the Ohio River below Paducah is not 
nearly so beautiful as it is above. We see only the worst 
features from this point to its confluence with the Missis- 
sippi. The hills 200 to 500 feet liigh, and covered with the 
verdure of an almost unbroken forest, approaching the 
stream, and confining it on either side, which characterize 
this lovely river from Pittsburg to Paducah, imperceptibly 
fade away, and before we reach the Mississippi entirely dis- 
appear. 

The notes taken along the route, were made very hur- 
riedly ; and many thanks are due Mr. Watson, the pilot, 
for a great deal of information. He was a very intelligent 
and interesting gentleman, and imparted a great deal of 
useful knowledge to the boys, whom he welcomed kindly to 
the wheel-house. He was at that time 69 years of age, and 



CAIRO AND DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI. 317 

had been on the river 35 or 40 years. His home was at 
Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He knew every town, point, 
plantation, bend, bar, eddy, snag, or other object of inter- 
est along or in the Ohio or Mississippi from their sources 
to the Gulf, with a vast amount of history connected with 
them. And notwithstanding his wandering sort of life, he 
had a great fondness for home, and spoke very tenderly of 
a sweet little granddaughter, who sometimes accompanied 
him on his trips. 

Ten miles below Paducah, we passed Metropolis, Hli- 
nqis. This was the first sight of "God's country" that had 
greeted our eyes for many a weary month ; and as we sped 
past it, in that soft June evening, there came the painful 
thought that perhaps that was the last time that some of us 
would see the setting of our Northern sun . How true that 
prediction, let the black clods of Texas testify. Clearing 
a gunboat fleet lying at Mound City, 32 miles farther on, 
the ponderous hulks drifting like so many monster turtles, 
we swept by in the gathering gloam, with scarcely a sign 
of recognition. 

CAIRO. 

Eight miles more brought us to Cairo, at the junction 
of the two great streams. This place was always subject to 
inundation, which retarded the growth of the town. The 
levee built there to protect the town from these gushings, 
cost a million of dollars. 

At Cairo the boys fitted up for the ex])edition. Linen 
coats and pants, straw hats, thin shoes and sliort liair were 
the order from this point on. And we learned, as we came 
nearer to the Tropic of Cancer, how sensible was this fore- 
thought. 

DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI. 

Out upon the broad swell of muddy water we drove, 
as a ready arrow from the hunter's bow. We were on the 
Mississippi, dashing along with no concern, save to gaze at 



■318 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the shifting sights that like a grand moving panorama, 
continually greeted the eye, only to pass out of view, filling 
us at once with grateful pleasure at each succession, and 
regret at their departure. The scenery on this river is no 
less varied below the mouth of the Ohio than above. True, 
there is more of the terrible seen in the cascades and lofty 
rocks of the upper river ; but below there is a happy blend- 
ing of nature and art, an interesting struggle of essence 
and circumstance for supremacy, not observed above. We 
can appreciate the old raftsman's song, 

" Down on the Mississippi river floating, 
Long time I traveled on my way," 

when we learn that the current is only 33 miles per day. 
One peculiarity of the Mississippi, is its extremely winding 
course. Sometimes a bend of 30 miles would occur, where 
the distance across the neck did not exceed a mile. This 
circumstance tended, no doubt, to check the current and 
greatly facilitate navigation. It is a remarkable fact that 
the water from many of the tributaries of this stream do 
not reach the Delta for more than a month after inundation 
above has been abating. The floods below vary in different 
seasons. Usually these occur between the first of March 
and the first of June, when they again subside. These ac- 
cretions had ended before our journey began ; and by the 
time we reached the Mississippi, the river w^as in splendid 
condition for navigation. The levees had broken through 
in many places, causing great destruction of projDerty and 
loss of life. In some places great pools had been left, that 
made excellent homes for the numerous alligators that in- 
fest those Southern waters. 

Columbus, Ky., is 20 miles below Cairo ; Hickman, or 
Mills' Point, 20 miles more. Then comes Island No. 10, 
New Madrid, Ft. Pillow, Randolph and Memphis; all of 
which are associated with some of the most thrilling events 
of the war, with a dozen intervening points, of less inter- 
est. About 10 miles above the last named place, only two 



ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI. 319 

months previous, had occurred the horrible explosion of 
the magnificent steamer Sultana, with 2,200 Union prison- 
ers, who had just been released from the various hells all 
over the South, in which they had been confined for differ- 
ent periods, and who were hurled into the river at night, 
without a second's warning ; many to find a watery grave, 
and many being scalded to death or otherwise injured so 
that they died soon after. Hundreds of those noble boys 
perished in that awful night, because somebody at Vicks- 
burg got a percentage for every man that was crowded on 
board that boat. 

The old wooden towns of Helena and Napoleon come 
a little farther on. They were made up entirely of frame 
buildings, because of the demoralizing effect of inundation 
and earthquakes on brick or stone structures. The latter 
is at the mouth of the Arkansas River, and just below the 
mouth of white River, which debouched by one channel 
into the Arkansas, and by another into the Mississippi. 
The Mississippi had cut through two years before, and we 
ran one mile in the old bed of the Arkansas. 

We struck Vicksburg at a favorable hour ; and many 
of the boys were permitted to stroll through that part of 
the city overlooking the river, that side being exceedingly 
precipitous. On the hill fronting the landing, were fine 
fortifications. Indeed, the whole place seemed a grand 
original series or combination of earthworks. There, on 
one hand, was the parapet from which "Whistling Dick" 
used to pitch "dinner-pots" over among the boys, during 
the memorable siege. 

We then passed Warrington, Palmyra, Carthage and 
Bonjurant's. At the latter place, while we tied up a short 
time for wood, the boys had a great deal of sport with a 
little darkey, who resembled very much in size, shape and 
complexion, a ten-gallon demijohn. He was a marvel in 
the terpsichorean art, unequaled in song and dance, and a 
prince of bulesquity. Accompanying him was a juvenile 



320 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT 

of lighter tint, who varied the exercises by "patting juba," 
while the black one introduced feats, such as turning som- 
ersaults, forward and backward, hand-springs and jigs ; all 
in perfect time with the music. 

Natchez, 734 miles below Cairo, is the prettiest city on 
the Mississippi. Situated on a bluff 200 feet above the 
river, it affords an extensive view up and down the stream, 
and away off to the cypress swamps of Louisiana. It has 
wide, rectangular streets, beautiful flower gardens and lux- 
uriant orange groves. Here we saw corn in the middle of 
June, with beautiful white tops waving in the soft wind, 
sugar cane, fig trees, rice fields, in an advanced condition,, 
and feasted our senses of sight and scent on the extensive 
gardens filled with beautiful trees and rarest foliage and 
most delicate bloom. 

THE CURSE OF THE SOUTH. 

At all the plantations on either shore, little darkies 
seemed ubiquitous ; decorating every projecting tree-stump 
like so many turtles, sunning themselves, and disappearing 
as nimbly, to reaj)pear as suddenly as young toads dropped 
from the clouds. They were not all black by any means ; 
many of them being as fair-skinned as our own brothers or 
sisters. We talked with some of these, who, with their 
mother, were huddled in a group near the landing. Their 
father had been reared in New Orleans. He was a white 
man, who had often comforted his innocent victim with the 
promise that she and her children should after while be 
sent North to freedom. But when the war broke out, he 
entered the rebel army, and forgot her ; leaving her to the 
direction and control of a brutal planter, wdio without the 
fear of God or regard for man, stained his own soul with 
the same crime of her former owner, and perjured himself 
with the same lying promises of freedom. She was subse- 
quently sent to work in the cotton-field, while her children 
were used as waiters. They had been told that the rebels 



BATON ROUGE AND NEW ORLEANS. 321 

had surrendered, and that they were free ; and the mother, 
still a handsome mulatto, bade her children hope for the 
promised deliverance. 

Passing the mouth of Red River, 161 miles above New 
Orleans, we made no halt till we came to Baton Rouge, the 
capital of Louisiana. It was a pretty little city, filled with 
trees, and composed principally of small houses. This city 
derived its name from a majestic cyi^ress that stood there 
in the early days of its settlement, and grew to an immense 
hight, iDerfectly straight, and branchless save at the very 
top. One of the visitors, a French gentleman, playfullv 
referring to it, said "le baton rouge!" (which is French for 
"the red cane,") and this name was at once applied to the 
locality. 

Below Baton Rouge the broad deep river swept through 
a plain occupied by luxuriant plantations of sugar cane, 
and adorned by splendid villas and gardens and groves of 
tropical fruit trees. As night approached, the sky became 
wonderfully clear, and in the distance rose gauzy cloudlets. 
Upon this soft background trees and foliage lay penciled in 
marvelous clearness. The brown w^ater of the grand old 
river was broken into multitudes of little restless waves, be- 
gemmed with gleams of moonlight ; and as we sat out there 
in the silent night, there was not a sound 

"To break the ('{iliii of nature; 
Nor motion, I niiglit almost say, 
Of life or living creature," 
save occasionally the dismal hoot of an owl nestling among 
the shaggy locks of some old Spanish-moss-covered cotton- 
wood. The rest of the trip was uneventful, save that the 
mosquitoes increased in numbers, noise and mordacity. 

AT NEW ORLEANS. 

At last we hailed the Crescent City, lined with a forest 
of masts, from oyster sloops to mammoth mercliant ships 
and men-of-war. We landed at New Orleans, June 25, 'Q5, 
and bidding our friends and comfortable quarters on the 



322 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

steamboat good-by, fell into line on the broad wharf, and 
moved out south of the city, to the same ground on wliich 
General Andrew Jackson whipped the haughty Britisher, 
Packenham, on Sunday, January 8, 1815. As quickly as 
possible, a strong guard was thrown around the camp, and 
every one was set to work putting up quarters. An addi- 
tional detail was also made for patrol service, whose duties 
were to prevent the soldiers from going into the city, and 
to arrest all of them found there without a pass ; yet hun- 
dreds found their way there, possibly a few of them being 
members of the Fifty-First, who never ceased to regret the 
experiences of drunkenness and debauchery in the dens of 
that Sodom, into which they were enticed. 

Some of us visited the famous markets ; and as we 
meandered through the incongruous collection of French, 
Spanish, Sicilian and other foreign merchants, our ears 
were assailed b}^ such a gabbling and chewing and grinding 
of languages as has probably not occurred since the fall of 
2247 B.C. One comrade said he had never before heard 
so many different tunes on the jawbone at once. 

Among other things we saw, and one that seemed very 
strangely out of place, was the statue of Henry Clay, on 
the pedestal of which were the burning words of that great 
statesman, in which he deemed the honor of the abolition 
of slavery the proudest earth could bestow. The exact lan- 
guage is not distinctly remembered. What would he have 
been, had he lived in the dark hour from which we were 
just emerging? He might have shared with Abraham Lin- 
coln the proud honor of being the deliverer of four millions 
of people from the most brutal bondage that ever afflicted 
mankind. 

New Orleans had several fine canals and bayous, on 
which many small boats, for pleasure or traffic, were con- 
stantly plying. These were delightful places for bathing, 
and thousands of the soldiers were accorded such privilege. 
Many visited the cemeteries, which were unique and beau- 



FOURTH OF JULY. 323 

tiful. They were usually clothed with magnolias, cypresses 
and willows and a great variety of tropical flowers and fo- 
liage plants. Owdng to the wet nature of the soil, bodies 
were not lowered into graves, but w^ere placed in cell tombs 
built above ground, large enough to admit a coffin ; rising 
often one above anotlier to a hight of 8 or 10 f(>et. These 
were sealed with great care ; some being very costly, but 
most of them plain and modest. Formerly they observed 
All Saints' and All Souls' days, at which times the graves 
were elaborately decorated with flowers and garlands ; but 
in later years that custom yielded to the even more hea- 
thenish observance of Mardi Gras. 

FOURTH OF JULY. 

We celebrated the 4th of July in a very quiet manner. 
Regimental headquarters purchased a new tub, of the reg- 
ulation washday size, and a huge chunk of manufactured 
ice — the first artificial ice we had ever seen — a quantity 
of lemons and a few other things to improve the flavor ; 
and treated the entire regiment to lemonade. Several of 
us went into the city in the afternoon ; and after partaking 
of a French dinner, we entered the train for Lake Pont- 
€hartrain. This road was about 9 miles long, the coaclies 
being a little larger than ordinary street-cars. The route 
was one continuou.s stretch of swamp, said to be filled with 
hideous alligators. We soon accomplished the 9 miles, got 
some ice-cream at a little refectory, built out over the mar- 
gin of the lake, and took an observation of the sun-ound- 
ing scenery, which for waterscape w^as magnificent ; then 
we found an agreeable place for bathing. Entering the 
little booths, we were not long in divesting ourselves of our 
toggery ; and soon we were immersed beneath the delicious 
briny liquid. To float upon this lake, and to revel in its 
delightful depths, had been one of the happiest dreams of 
boyhood. How we hugged that blessed lake — or tried to, 
and wanted to take it along, that we miglit lave in its re- 



324 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT 

freshing depths every day. Plunging about, we buffeted 
the little soft waves that, like wine, seemed to impart new 
life and energy ; diving and floating and frolicking to the 
complete fullness of our capacity. Then we sped back to 
the city, feeling a sense of relief — at least from lots of dirt. 

New Orleans was scrupulously clean at that time, and 
the citizens treated us with marked civility ; both being the 
results of General Butler's administration there. They had 
been humiliated. Formerly they had enjoyed unbounded 
prosperity ; their population had increased phenomenally ; 
and all went well, till, bent on secession, they went to work 
against every interest. They had "sowed to the wind, and 
reaped the whirlwind." These traitors sneered at our boys 
who read the Scriptures, and affected contempt for those 
"puling psalm-singers and canting Puritans who had wan- 
dered from Plymouth Rock down to the sunny fields of the 
South;" but they were now eating bread bountifully pro- 
vided for them by the fathers and brothers of those they 
helped to starve in Andersonville and Salisbury and Libby. 
Yes, the religion which supported the mass of the Union 
army, was all that saved those sneering fire-eaters of the 
South from the merited halter and universal extinction. 
Thousands of men stood ready, whenever the word should 
be given, to desolate the entire territory south of Mason 
and Dixon's line. But love, the essence of the supreme 
authority to which they yielded obedience, was over all; 
and its gentle influences, though spent in vain upon many, 
have held sway over the hearts of the men and women who 
saved the Nation , and guided their words and actions in 
the great work of reconstruction. 

About the time of our arrival at New Orleans, General 
Phil. Sheridan was appointed military commander of the 
Division of the Gulf, embracing the departments of Florida, 
Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. KirL/ Smith's rebel 
army was still in Texas, although he had agreed to surren- 
der ; and defying the United States Government, was com- 



HO ! FOR TEXAS. 325 

mitting depredations of every kind, and crcatini:; a panic 
wherever any considerable part of it appeared. When the 
rebel commander learned that Sheridan with a large force 
was certainly ordered to Texas, to bring him to terms, and 
finding also that his army was rapidly deserting him, he 
sent three of his prominent generals to surrender his entire 
force to General Canby, at New Orleans ; and subsequently 
he ratified the surrender with his own signature at Galves- 
ton. He proved a very treacherous scoundrel, however, in 
the very last wriggle of his official authority ; showing bad 
faith in disbanding his army, and permitting an indiscrim- 
inate plunder of public property. He and Magruder made 
their escape to Mexico. As his disbanded rebel horde still 
continued to devastate the country east of the Rio Grande, 
the 4th Corps was hastened to that part of Texas ; and it 
was soon on its way thither, with Gen. D. S. Stanley in 
command. General Wood was again in command of his 
old division, and General August Willich commanded our 
brigade . 

BOUND FOR TEXAS. 

. Wednesday, July 5, '65, quite early in the morning, we 
struck tents and marched to the landing, where we loaded 
our stuff on the steamship "Cumbria," and embarked for 
Texas. Soon we were all ahoard ; and tlien tlie national 
colors were run up to the topmast amid the cheers of the 
crowd and the rattle of small arms. The engines groaned, 
and the steampipes wheezed, the ponderous screw that pro- 
pelled the ship, creaked; and like a meteor we dissolved 
from the view of the Crescent citizens. Down the Delta 
we glided, past oyster-boats and vessels of all descriptions, 
out onto the "waste of waters." Yes, literally a waste ; for 
nobody cared to save any of it ; though there were numer- 
ous red-hot propositions to dam it. The prow of our ship 
sent the feathery spray dancing over the crests of the great 
waves, as they rolled away, and were mingled with the hor- 
izon. In many resiH^cts the ocean is very brautiful . We 



326 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGUMENT. 

had read about how the spray like restless spirits floated 
across the briny peaks, as they dashed high against the 
dark ledges along the shore, and climbed in innocent fury 
above the rocky headland ; awhile the surf chafed around 
the reef, and the howling gale slit into infinitessimal strips 
the proud sails whose corpulent bulge once lent majesty to 
the noble craft — how the hearts of the beholders leapt into 
their mouths, and their hands and voices went up in ecstasy 
over the glorious ''life on the ocean wave ;" and our hearts 
were all thrilled with expectation, only to be disappointed. 

"One 'loves' — how be loves! — ' the glittering foam,' 

And 'the mad wave's angry strife; ' 
Just take that young genius who wrote the 'pome,' 
Where the ' billows dash, and the sea-birds roam ; ' 
And he'd give all he had to be safely at home. 

He'd stay there the rest of his life." 

It was the hardest trip we had made during the entire war. 
Four awful days we bobbed about on the "salt sea foam," 
with little beside a wide expanse of water to look at ; and 
nothing to drink but nasty lukewarm water, if we may ex- 
cept a few pailfuls of slop, called coffee, made from tlie hot 
water pij^e of the engine. The officers were, however, sup- 
plied, at a high price, with a few gallons of /'ice water," 
made also of the same stagnant liquid. 

OUT ON THE GULF. 

Thousands of gulls flew around our vessel, or followed 
constantly in her track. The second day we encountered 
a school of porpoises, that bobbed and tumbled through 
the water like so many empty barrels. Sometimes they 
would jump several feet in the air, and drop into the water 
with a splash that could be heard a mile away. 

Some of our boys were injudicious enough to take with 
them a lot of cakes, pies and fruit, to eat on the gulf; and 
others had liquor to protect them, from sea-sickness. They 
were rewarded with a lovely combination of results. 

As we passed Galveston — about four miles off, on the 



A GALE OFF GALVESTON. 327 

second night, we encountered a gale. The sailors antici- 
pated it ; and everything was clewed down tight, and all 
hands were set to work to clear the decks. All the soldiers 
were sent below, and guards were placed at the hatchways 
to keep them there. Then the word was given to the sail- 
ors, "Heave-yo-o !" and down went two ponderous anchors 
to the bottom of the gulf, with a terrible rattling of chains ; 
and the vessel came to a halt, with a sudden jerk that min- 
gled "red spirits and grey" in a babel of confusion. At 
the same moment the storm struck her ; and she groaned 
and creaked and heaved and tossed under the awful trial. 
Dishes and camp-kettles danced a Virginia reel all over the 
decks ; while the more delicate comrades yielded up the 
contents of their stomachs with wonderful alacrity. 

Tlie master of the propeller paced the decks the whole 
night long, his face blanched with a dread he dared not 
communicate. He explained his restless manner next day, 
by telling us that at that point the bottom of the gulf was 
solid rock, and that we had been drifting all night toward 
breakers, on which, had we reached them, the ship would 
have been dashed to pieces in a little while, and we would 
all have gone to the bottom. Ignorant of our great peril, 
the writer, by an excuse, was permitted to go to the upper 
deck ; and crawling out the railing on the forecastle, to the 
mast, he drew himself up by the great ropes, and stood 
there in the starlight, and drank in the indescribable love- 
liness and grandeur of the scene. We were so near the 
city of Galveston, that the street-lamps were plainly dis- 
cerned. Tossing like a huge cork on the boiling waves, 
whose crests glistened like ridges of diamonds in tlie mild 
light of the stars ; one moment the vessel pointed toward 
the heavens, — the next as though she would plunge with 
her precious cargo of humanity headlong to the ])ottom of 
the gulf. But the crowded mass of soldiers shut u]) Ix'low, 
in the dark, hot, noisome midship, tumbled about in a^ony 
that was pitiable. 



328 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Arriving at the southwestern point of Matagorda Bay, 
at the Pass Cavallo, we came to land in the afternoon of 
July 9, '65. While awaiting orders outside the harbor, 
many of the boys took advantage of the occasion, to bathe 
in the gulf ; and it was fine sport for them , as well as excit- 
ing entertainment for the spectators, to clamber out to the 
l^oint of the bowsprit of the vessel, and plunge away down 
into the blue depths below. Then they would return to the 
deck by the ladders on the ship's side. The more timid 
ones contented themselves with swinging off on a rope's 
end. The water being entirely too shallow for our ship to 
enter the bay, we were transferred to "lighters" on which 
we steamed up to Indianola ; where debarking, the boys at 
once prepared coffee, and had a feast. 

We were now in the Central District of the Depart- 
ment of Texas, with headquarters at Galveston; and thus 
continued, with district headquarters afterward at San An- 
tonio, until final muster-out at San Antonio ; and were not 
again identified with the Department of the Cumberland. 



THE LONE STAR STATE. 329 



TEXAS. 

Robert Chevalier, Sieur de la Salle, led the first Euro- 
pean immigrants to Texas, landing on Februar}^ 18, 1685, 
near the same spot on which our patriotic little army first 
touched. He had discovered the mouth of the Mississippi, 
three years before, and returning from France to make a 
permanent settlement, erred in his calculations, and came 
to shore on the Texas coast. After two efforts to reach the 
Mississippi overland, in which his men suffered greatly, 
and which failed, La Salle, as Americans call him, started 
northward, to open communication with Canada. Trouble 
arising between some of his men, in the distribution of a 
quantity of grain ; through the conspiring of one Duhaut, 
several of them were murdered. Then, fearing the anger 
of La Salle, they ambushed him, and sliot him through 
the head ; from which he expired in an hour. 

Frequent storms occur along the gulf coast, in wliich 
the briny water sweeps over the adjacent low lands, filling 
cellars and wells, and ofttimes creating a water ])anic that 
is very distressful. In consequence of this, water has to be 
hauled a long distance, and is sold at a high price. Odd 
as it may seem, many of these people are delighted at such 
visitations. But this is easily understood ; for wlien water 
is a dollar a gallon, and whisky is the same price, it does 
not pay to adulterate. 

That part of Texas which the 4th Cor]:)s traversed, be- 
tween Matagorda Bay and San Antonio, and on either side 
of a line drawn south from Austin, is almost entirely black 



330 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

prairie. The rivers that course through it are pretty regu- 
lar in their flow, liaving their origin in large springs that 
are situated along the heavy slopes in the western part of 
the State, and extending from Austin southward. Those 
with which our six months' experience in Texas were prin- 
cipally connected, were the Guadaloupe and San Antonio. 
The latter is the western branch of the former, and empties 
into it 10 or 15 miles above the mouth of the Guadaloupe^ 
which in turn empties into the Espiritu Santo Bay. Green 
Lake is situated at the mouth of the San Antonio River, 
on the line between the counties (or parishes) of Calhoun 
and Refugio, and is the chief watering-place tor hundreds 
of thousands of cattle, that herd about its border. 

THIRSTING TO DEATH. 

Scarcely had the boys got their coffee drunk, before we 
were ordered into line ; and we moved out for Green Lake , 
distant 18 or 20 miles, but which, through the stupidity of 
a drunken guide, was extended to 32. To describe that 
march, would beggar the English language. About eight 
miles from the town of Indianola, we came to a cow pond, 
which was very muddy, on account of hundreds of cattle 
having waded through it just before we came to it. Most 
of the boys filled their canteens with this water, however; 
for they had learned by the hardest kind of experience, to 
take anything, till they could get something better. That 
was the first opportunity to get water, after leaving Indi- 
anola ; and indications were good that it might be the last. 
Three miles further on, we came to another hole, or series of 
holes ; for they seemed more like big cow-tracks, filled from 
a summer shower. The water here was filthier, if possible, 
than the first ; yet those who had failed getting water be- 
fore, did not slight it, but filled their canteens and little 
cotfee-buckets with the vile stufi". From there on, we had 
not another drop of water of any kind until we reached the 
lake. Besides this, our progress was greatly impeded by 



DYING FOR WATER. 331 

the fact that we had our "sea-legs" on yet, and the ground 
seemed to roll just as the ship had ; the strange deception 
causing many to fall ; also making the distance seem twice 
as great as it really was. 

It was hot enough "to roast a nigger" when we started 
on this march, and coats were a serious incumbrance ; but 
we began soon after nightfall to realize the sudden change 
of temperature peculiar to that beautiful clime. The mer- 
cury in the thermometer slipped suddenly down to zero, 
and remained there till near midnight. The stupor pro- 
duced by the sudden chill, added to the fatigue so greatly 
aggravated by the bobbing motion acquired on the vessel, 
rendered locomotion almost impossible. The soldiers could 
not be urged forward, and they dropped out by dozens and 
scores ; until on the approacli of day, it was discovered that 
not more than half of our brigade had pulled through. A 
number of them were afterward found as far back as 15 
miles from camp. By 7 o'clock in the morning, nearly all 
who had kept anywhere near up, had reached the lake, and 
after a cup of strong coffee, were snoozing soundly beneath 
the broad shade of the shaggy live oaks that fringed the 
lagoon. But the poor fellows who, like the five foolish vir- 
gins, had "slumbered and slept," awoke to find that, like 
those same virgins, their vessels were empty. 

Between the hours of 7 and 9 in the morning, there is 
a cessation of motion in the air ; which on that morning 
was intensified by the intolerable heat of the sun, that was 
pouring down a flood of incandescent fury. One unaccus- 
tomed to this, cannot endure away from the shade scarcely 
an hour. A great many soldiers of other commands, as 
well as many from our own, were sunstruck at this season, 
during the war. A few of the unfortunate boys, after long 
search, managed to find, some distance ofl' of the road, a 
pool of thick, stagnant water, that tasted like nectar to the 
parched throats; but most of them had none, and none 
could be gotten within 8 or 10 miles either way. When 



332 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

they were found by the details sent back after them, scores 
lay with their tongues out and terribly swollen ; others were 
trying to lick the dew off of the grass. Many had wan- 
dered away from the road in search of water, and it was 
with difficulty that they were found ; as they were too far 
gone to give any signal of distress that might lead to their 
discovery. Men, loaded with canteens filled at the lake, 
were dispatched on horseback in every direction ; yet, it is 
possible that some may not have been found, and died in 
horrible agony. Who can describe the feelings of those 
who were relieved, as the brave fellows saw life — most wel- 
come, blessed life, coming to them — showers, canteens of 
life ! Finally, all who could be found, were brought in. 

GREEN LAKE. 

In a few days we had recovered in a manner our usual 
strength and spirits; and having nothing else to do, we 
made a special requisition for ammunition, and amused 
ourselves shooting alligators ; varying this pastime with 
gathering grapes and pecans, which were quite abundant 
and of enormous size, and the usual routine of camp life. 
The war being over, we paid little attention to guns or any 
other part of our hostile apparatus, save as already indica- 
ted, and to despatch a "slow deer," when our supply of 
meat ran short. They were called "slow," probably, be- 
cause of their dilatoriness in getting out of our way, and 
keeping up with the rest of the cattle. 

Our reports of "able for duty" men were so meager, 
that there were hardly enough to make a respectable detail 
for anything. Most of the boys grumbled so, that the or- 
derlies were almost afraid to detail them for duty at all. It 
came so frequently, that they each declared not more than 
half of the other boys had been on since they were. Then 
the orderly got a blessing ; and he laid it onto the sergeant- 
major. As there was nobody else to pass it on to, the latter 
had to bear the burden that might be shirked by every or- 



AT GREEN LAKE. 333 

derly in tlie regiment. But his heart was Large, and his 
shoLiklers very broad. 

The days continued scorching hot, and everything in 
nature was wrinkled or blistered or reduced to dust by the 
piercing rays of the vertical sun. But the oppressiveness 
of the day enhanced the delightfulness of the night. And, 
while at sunset the sky seemed like a huge oven, in which 
the earth was a mammoth roast, flanked by its majestic 
forests and towering mountains, and all humanity felt like 
the dried anatomy of what it started out in the morning ; 
we were renewed and revigorated by the pleasant breeze 
and the peculiar soothiness of the night air. True, this 
succession of changes of temperature was severe on those 
who were subjected to extremes of both ; but those who sat 
in the live-oak shade all day, could philosophize, in spite 
of the common misfortune. Listen to one of them : 

" Day is done lirown, and set away to cool ; 

Atul evenin<jr, like a salad fresh and moist, 

And peppered with her master's stars, comes on : 

The moon, like a larjre cheese cut just in half, 

Hangs o'er the landscape most iuvitinj^ly ; 

The milky way reveals her silver stream 

' Mid the bhuK -man^^e-liUe clouds that licck the sky ; 

The cattle dun, sleepinj,^ in jiastures brown, 

Show like hu-re (lou.u;h-nufs 'mid the deep'iiing gloom. 

How like a silver salver shines the lake ! 

While mimic clouds upon its surface move, 

Like floating islands in a crystal bowl ; 

The dews come down to wash the curled-up leaves. 

And night-winds follow them, to wipe them dry. 

On such an eve as this 'tis sweet to sit 
And thus commune with Nature, as slie brings 
Familiar symbols to the thougiitful bieast 
And spreads ht-r feast of meditative eiieer. 
Day witli its broils and fiery feuds is o'er; 
Its jars discordant and its s(>ething strifes; 
And all its boiling passions hushed to peace; 
Old Earth, lumg on her h<»()k before tiie sun. 
Turns her huge sides alternate to Ids rays, 
Basted by rains and dews, and cooks away, 
And so will cook, till she is done — and burnt" 



334 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Green Lake was girdled by a beautiful green border of 
live-oak trees, whose branches hung quite low, and spread 
out to a distance of 30 or 40 feet on each side ; furnishing 
a most umbrageous shelter from the broiling sun. These 
trees were covered with vines, which produced grapes of 
marvelous size and abundance, and of delicious flavor. Of 
these grapes we made a fine wine, splendid pies and cob- 
blers, and a variety of other very palatable dishes. 

Some of the trees hung thickly with Si^anish moss, 
which we made to serve in lieu of straw for our beds. This 
moss is a parasite plant, found growing in vast profusion, 
clinging to many of the trees in Southern forests. When 
exposed to the process of "curing," as variously practiced, 
the outer bark or covering is decomposed, and an almost 
indestructible black fiber is disclosed , whicli closely resem- 
bles the article of commerce known as "curled hair;" and 
for all purposes to which the latter is applied, is equal to it, 
with the advantage of being vastly cheaper. 

Eagles' nests were frequently found among the tops of 
these trees ; but they were never disturbed. 

The atmosphere of Southern Texas is very thin and 
elastic, and so transparent, that every star and planet in 
the heavens appears boldly defined ; the beholder seems to 
see around and behind them. And there are constellations 
quite unknown to Northern skies ; wliile the "milky way," 
instead of making a nebulous, almost unperceived light, 
absolutely flames through eternal space. Yet people are 
very foolisli to seek there the famed "fountain of youth." 
Among the saddest chapters of sufl'ering, are those of con- 
firmed invalids going from the North, seeking health in 
"the balmy air of tropical cities." It is a delusion; and, 
if they survive it, they won't do it the second time. 

Pleasure-seekers should not be deceived by illuminated 
pictures of this lovely Southwestern Texas ; for, although 
more than a quarter of a century has passed, with its won- 
derful changes, no change is found there. The same tales 



ON TO VICTORIA. 335 

of bloodthirsty transactions, the same lawless disregard for 
human life or any of the rights guaranteed by civilization, 
come to our ears from that God-forsaken region ; the same 
vile language, the same filthy habits, the same moral and 
intellectual obscuration are perpetuated. Accustomed to 
the careful housekeeping and domestic arrangments of the 
Northern home, the tourist finds himself or herself sud- 
denly deprived of even a comfortable retiring room, and 
without the necessary convenience of even a bed to lie on. 
Every dish, unless imperatively ordered otherwise, reeks 
with red pepper, onions or garlic ; the language and habits 
of the people are strange and repulsive, and the climate en- 
ervating and exhausting to the most vigorous constitution. 
The natives in that part of the State did not stable 
their horses nor pen their cattle. Every spring, (or once 
a year,) they would brand the new crop, and let them run ; 
then, wdien they wanted an animal, they would send or go 
out and get one bearing their brand . Little boys of 8 or 
10 years would lasso a horse or a cow, as easily as our boys 
would jerk a pebble across the street. It's born in them. 

VICTORIA . 

Leaving Green Lake, about Monday, August 28, we 
proceeded to Victoria, the seat of Victoria county. U])on 
the beaten dirt road were teamsters with their merchandise 
packed in long white-covered ox-wagons, hauling freight to 
and from the gulf; half-breeds on Mexican ponies,' bobbing 
along under their broad brown sombreros, nodding to us as 
we passed, with a half-articulate "How, senor?" looking 
more like murdering us, than having a Christian regard 
for our welfare. 

There was very little of vegetable product there, save 
the bur-grass, on which the cattle feed. The bur on the 
grass was about the size of beet seed, and in shape reminded 
one of a jimson bur, with prickles so tough and sharp, that 
they would penetrate our thickest ponchos. This fact was 



336 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

discovered by most of the boys, by personal experience ; as 
they learned nearly everything else. On spreading their 
ponchos, after a hard hour's march, and sitting down sud- 
denly, they could scarcely suppress the involuntary oath 
that struggled up, as the ugly barbs pierced the nether cu- 
ticle, compelling instant removal to another spot. 

"The wicked flea, which no man pursues," though not 
quoted with precise accuracy, was as plentiful there as the 
locusts in Egypt. Tarantulas and centipedes, also, were 
quite numerous, and dangerous; and the deadly scorpion 
was liable to turn up at any point. The writer, while em- 
ployed upon the regimental books, one day, put his hand 
upon a dead scorpion, curled up between the leaves of one 
of the large volumes. Several cases of poisoning by these 
creatures were reported. The usual antidote for the bite, 
or sting, was whisky ; though with some the cure was worse 
than the complaint. One man recovered from the bite of 
a tarantula, by the copious use of whisky, and the wound 
healed in two days ; but the man died of delirium tremens. 

The town of Victoria presented a very forbidding ap- 
pearance, with its dirty streets, rough, unpainted, isolated 
buildings, broken-down doors and dingy rooms ; and there 
was most harmonious correspondence between these and its 
greasy, disgusting inhabitants. The houses here, as well 
as nearly all along the line of our march, consisted of poles 
for walls, roof and chimney of sticks, plastered over, inside 
and out, with a sort of white pasty clay, that is found near 
the surface of the ground. The gables of some had boards 
that were hauled over 100 miles. In these close, filth }'■ 
quarters, and covered with vermin, those people appeared 
to spend their lives cheerfully . The streets were filled with 
blinding dust, and were entirely innocent of shade trees. 
Reeking odors filled the air, and reminded one of the poet's 
description of the famed village in France : 

"In Colin, a town of monks and bones, 

And pavements fanged with murderous stones, 



AT VICTORIA. 337 

And rags, and liags, and hideous wonclies, 

I counted five and seventy stenches." 
If cleanliness be akin to godliness, those people would not 
come in as "forty-second cousins" to divinity. There was 
little in the town to interest any one. Fronting upon a 
small sluggish stream, it recedes from the ragged shore, 
and occupies the acclivity and crest of a broad mound, that 
attains an elevation of perhaps 15 or 20 feet. To the east, 
west and north the adjacent country stretches away level to 
the horizon. To the southeast the eye rests on the low, 
blue outlines of the bluffs or ridges rising to the north of 
Galveston, about 50 miles aw^ay. 

There was a railroad striking off from this place in 
some direction ; and our boys were detailed to repair it . 
It must have been in a terrible condition, according to the 
report they made. The bridges had been propped up tem- 
porarily with rotten and decayed timbers; and, instead of 
replacing the old ties with new ones, only one new tie was 
placed at the ends of the iron rails, and one in the middle. 
Trains were known to run several miles without jumping 
off' the track. A friend, who admitted having gone over it, 
says the improvements made on it since, are of the finest 
character in the w^orld. But we got no benefit from it. 

The writer visited the Catholic chapel, in which many 
relics had been preserved. Almost everything of any value 
had been carried away by Father Benoni, the i)ri('st, to a 
place of safety. All had deserted the place save the house- 
keeper, a young German woman, with more of Martin Lu- 
ther's ideas of religion than of Romanism. She was very 
tired of the stupid existence she was forced to submit to ; 
and sighed for freedom, that only the grave promised lier. 
She despised the insincerity and meaningless mummery of 
the chapel service, and regarded witli hoi-ror tlie ignorance 
and heathenism of the poor degraded masses, who, 

"In their blindness, 
liow flown to wood and stone." 
It had been her habit to undeceive the poor creatures wlio 



338 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

came from time to time for absolution and consolation, and 
to encourage them to rely wpon God, instead of a besotted 
priest. As a token of her loyalty to our country's cause, 
she presented her visitor with a small brass crucifix, which 
had a history that would electrify the superstitious Roman- 
ist, and appall him with horror. The crucifix is still pre- 
served, with its marvelous secret, among the choicest and 
most sacred of his war relics. 

In the cramped little den occupied by the office of the 
Victoria Gazette, we met an old typo, who had at one time 
labored in the ''art preservative" in the more appreciative 
North. In Texas his worth was not realized. The Gazette 
was a dingy little j)aper, printed on a sheet too small for a 
full form by a half-column ; the last column being "lialf- 
measure." This man had been for several years a sort of 
journalistic shuttlecock in the upper districts of Michigan ; 
had reported the proceedings of the original secession con- 
vention, and had traveled over most of the rebel "confed- 
eracy" as a topographical engineer. His experiences had 
been varied, and many of them quite interesting, as he 
narrated them. He had not been true to the land that had 
made him what he liad been, and that would have contin- 
ued to advance him, in the 'profession which moulds and 
directs public opinion ; and, like the prodigal son, he was 
now feeding on tlie husks of intellectual existence in con- 
sequence, with very little either in his stomach or store to 
compensate. 

A very exciting incident occurred in town, one day, 
the particulars of which interested a member of the Fifty- 
First, but whose name must be suppressed . He was a Ger- 
man ; and in his search for something to eat, had dropped 
into a restaurant, where he soon got into a dispute with a 
French, gentleman who ground hash for the establishment, 
and who attempted to convert our comrade into wurst, but 
got badly worsted himself. The gentleman from the west 
side of the Rhine stabbed the Teuton with a billet of wood, 



SUNSHINE AND STORM. 339 

and retired to tlie back yard, to cool off, satisfied with his 
accomplishment. Not so he of the jaw-breaking dialect, 
wlio rushed out frantically with a cheese-knife half as long 
as a saber, and claimed to be master of the field. Africa 
was also present, but being about equally divided on the 
question , proposed to remain neutral . France made a fine 
sorte, but Bavaria caught him on the flank, and enfiladed 
him ; leaving him scattered all over the field, slicing his 
cotton uniform into convenient strips for a kite-tail. Then, 
leaving word with the proprietor, to get a basket and sweep 
the Frenchman up, he took the shortest cut for camp. 

HOT WEATHER. 

Those were such days as that in which Sidney Smith 

wanted to take off his flesh, and sit down in his bones ; or, 

as Artemas Ward said of the final reward of the wicked, it 

was a time and place in which "a man would sigh for his 

summer clothes." At such a time we could sing with the 

poet : 

"O, for a lodge in a garden of cucunibers! 

O, for an iceberg or two at control ! 
O, for a vale which at midday the dew cumbers! 

O, for a pleasure trip up to the pole ! 

O, for a little one-story thermometer! 

With nothing but zeros all ranged in a row; 
O, for a big double-barreled iiydrometer, 

To measure this moisture that rolls from my brow! 

O, for a soda-fount, spouting up boldly 

From every hot lamp-i)ost against tiie hot sky ! 

O, for a proud lady to look on me coldly ! 
Freezing my soul with a glance of her eye I 

Then, O, for a draugiit from a cup of cold pizen ! 

And, O, for a resting-place in the cold grave ! 
AVith a bath in the Htyx, where the thick siiadow lies on 

And deepens the chill of its dark running wave I 

Think of it ! The sun beating down, at a temperature 
not a degree less tlian 100° in the shade ; the sand in the 
road glistening witli heat ; the leaves motionless ; tlie little 
birds panting for breath ; the hot sweat standing in great 



840 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

beads on the tent-poles ; our ideas melted ; our mental and 
physical capabilities thoroughly exhausted ; when a cry sa- 
lutes our ears, more terrifying than that of the horse-leech 
or the office seeker ; more importunate than the claims of 
a creditor ; and more irresistible than the smiles of a pretty 
widow : — 

"Strike tents ! Turn out, here, and roll 'em up right 
quick ! Fall in ! Forward, m-a-r-ch !" 

And away we go for San Antonio. On our march we 
met more native teamsters ; such long-bearded, murderous- 
looking fellows, with faces brown as autumn, and innocent 
of water for weeks at a time, their unkempt hair straggling 
in matted clusters or bunches ; trudging along 15 or 18 
miles a day, perfectly oblivious to the world of intelligence 
and refinement about tliem. They never settle anywhere ; 
and their stay depends on their slyness in hiding and dis- 
posing of what they appropriate from others. 

One day, about noon, and just as we had halted for 
dinner, we observed a dusty-looking cloud in the north- 
west. Not being familiar with all the peculiarities of that 
climate, we continued our season of refreshment a few min- 
utes too long. Down they came, those bloodthirsty clouds, 
rattling a million fragments of dismembered vegetation into 
our milk — that had just been drawn on special requisition 
— and filling our eyes, ears, nostrils and mouths with vile 
dust. We gathered our stuff together, and prepared for a 
cyclone. Then followed the most tremendous tempest of 
wind and rain we had ever experienced. It seemed like 
the vault of heaven had uncorked itself, and we were about 
to have another Noahic visitation. It was worse, in its 
terrible portent and in our undefined apprehension, than 
Waterloo. It was a water-spout ! 

Tlieii there was hurryiiiij; to aiul fro, 

And gathering hard-tack, and yells of deep distress; 

And milU all spilt, which but an hour ago 

Produced tlie fervent envy of the mess; 

And swiftly forming in tiie ranks of war, 



NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL PRODUCTS. 341 

Without tlie fife's shrill voice, or olatteriiij;' (h-iini, 
Tlie sliiveriug soldiers chattered, near and far, 
Or murniLired with white lips, "I'm froze I" " I'm numhl" 
In less time than it lias taken to descri])0 it, tlio rain 
had passed entirely beyond the rear of our division, and 
we began to collect ourselves ; when, as if guided by the 
evil one, the cloud about-faced, and passing back directly 
over us, poured out upon us a deluge more violent and wat- 
ery than before ; drenching and soaking us as com])letely 
as if we had been dipped in the river. The water stood in 
the road and over the surrounding land, as far as we could 
see, at least four inches deep ; and as there were no fences, 
nor sight of anything save the water, it seemed like the 
gulf had broken its bonds and suddenly enveloped the en- 
tire State. We were compelled to wade thus for several 
hours, till our arrival at Helena, a hungry-looking collec- 
tion of half-a-dozen kennels, standing on a slight eminence 
in the_ county of Karnes — so slight, however, that the ele- 
vation would hardly have been discerned, but that all the 
water had run off, leaving the grass perfectly dry when we 
got there, and safe to lie down upon. We learned there the 
true philosophy of getting wet; which is to get soaked. 
Moist clothing brings a hesitating discomfort ; but in feel- 
ing that every thread is drenched, there is a desperate sort 
of satisfaction.* At Helena we were given time to dry our 
clothes, and restore our frozen limbs. 

naturp: and art. 
This county, as well as De Witt, whicli we had just 
left, was almost destitute of trees ; and for long stretches 
without a trace of civilization. Over these wandered mul- 
titudes of cattle, browsing on the l^ur-grass, and watering 
at the rivers and lagoons. At one place we saw a collection 
of herds, going to water ; whicli were said to number over 
700,000 ; and further up tlie Guadaloupe River were fully 
300,000 more — all within a radius of 10 miles. Here we 
enjoyed one real luxury — pure milk and cream, unadul- 



342 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

terated by chalk or water. As we advanced toward San 
Antonio, things imxDroved a little. Occasionally eggs were 
obtainable, but at very exorbitant prices. Greenbacks were 
becoming scarce, too, and it behooved the boys to devise a 
proper variety of expedients by which they might obtain 
their daily requirement of native product. Some fell back 
on their more frugal comrades , to whom they gave an order 
on the paymaster, for the amount of the loan, with liberal 
interest ; to be settled on next pay-day. Others, with more 
elastic consciences, had provided a sort of currency that 
was only resorted to in such a period of great stringency. 
It consisted of an advertisement of an insurance and real 
estate office at ''Yohn's Block, No. 5, Indianapolis," done 
in cheap lithograj)hy , and the figure 5 placed so as to give 
it the appearance of a bank note, and jorinted with green 
ink. It w^as a real invention in the interest of economy. 

ANECDOTE ABOUT WILLICH . 

One day, when the sun was broiling everything that 
was exposed, the sergeant-major was sweating over an entry 
in one of the regimental books. Having occasion to ask 
Colonel Denny for information, he found that officer, with 
General Willich and several others, seated under a tree, 
in animated conversation. Obtaining the information he 
sought, the subaltern turned to go, when he was accosted 
quite sharply by the old general, who said : 

"Hey, sawgent-majah ; I ton't vant any more sich tarn 
reports vat you zent in ! My atcliitant dells me you zent 
in de vorst reports vot come in de prigade ! ' ' 

"How is that, sergeant?" said the colonel ; "I thought 
your reports were alw^ays pretty good." 

"Veil, dey ain't! Dey 're plotted und dutty, like dey 
fallt in a hoss-pond ! ' ' 

"I beg pardon ;" said the sergeant-major, replying to 
the colonel, "I trust there is a mistake somewhere." 

"Don't dell me I'm mishtaken, ober I blay hell mit 



SAN ANTONIO DE BEXAR. 343 

you !" roared Willich, in a fierce rage, as he shook his fist. 

The usual humiliation followed ; and tlie bi-o\v-beaten 
youth sought his den, feeling like he would like to jump 
onto that old Dutchman, and pound liim good. 

Next morning, as usual, the daily report was made out 
and carried over to brigade headquarters by the sergeant- 
major. Laying the report on the adjutant-general's desk, 
he was quietly slipping away, when a voice came from tlie 
next tent : 

"Sawgent-majah ! — hey, you little fellow! come pack 
here ! I vant to dell you vot a tam jeckess I mate mit my- 
zelf, yesterday. My atchitant dells me you make -de best 
reborts vot come to dis hetquarters. It's dat tam 8i)t' Illi- 
nois feller. I play hell mit him !" 

CAMP SALADO, NEAR SAN ANTONIO. 

Finally, after traversing the county of Wilson, we came 
to San Antonio, tlie county-seat of Bexar, about the 30th 
of August '65 ; having marched over 200 miles from Indi- 
anola ; and went into camp about 4 miles soutliwest of the 
city, on Salado [Sa-lah'-do] Creek. 

As we did nothing there, and as there were scarcely 
enougli able for duty in camp long enougli to do -niything, 
there is very little to say about it. Besides, tlie writer, in 
common with several hundred others in our division, had 
contracted that most horrible of all diseases, "breakbone" 
fever, and was incapable of chronicling anything that may 
have occurred. There was no doctor in our cam}), and no 
one wdio had authority to issue medicine, but Easterling. 
The boys had no faith in him, as he had only a short expe- 
rience in a small drug-store, and knew nothing about dis- 
ease ; so, all who could, got transferred to the division hos- 
pital, where Drs. Collins and King and the splendid nurses 
they had there, soon had the boys in good spii-its. and on 
the way to speedy recovery . 

San Antonio was a tough town. The i>i-iiicip;il pni-t 



344 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

of the male portion were inveterate gamblers, from the boy 
of P) years, pitching ''two-bits" (quarters,) to the grizzled 
veteran, venturing his remaining cow. Some of the sol- 
diers entered into the spirit, with a zeal worthy of a better 
cause ; and "fought the tiger" as hard as ever they fought 
rebels. A swarm of beer-blooded Mexicans occupied the 
plaza, in the center of the town, peddling watermelons and 
little hard apples.. The pure whites had a sort of average 
intelligence, for they were principally from the North ; but 
the nasty-looking, sallow, skinny natives were densely ig- 
norant. The men seemed to be constantly "tight," ; but 
this could not be said of the women. Yet they all seemed 
happy in their squalor and depravity. 

The stomach of the native Texan is something won- 
derful. One day, by way of variety, some of us dined at a 
popular hotel. Some of these comrades were of the first 
families of Indiana. Before one of them was a dish of fine 
large peppers, placed there as a "relish," and which are 
relished by the natives, as much as young radishes or little 
pickles are by the average Hoosier. The comrade's mouth 
watered, as he observed a native near him gulp down half- 
a-dozen of them in as many minutes. He gazed at the 
beautiful red pods ; and then, as the waiter was a little slow 
with his oi'der, he stuck his fork into one of them, and put 
it into his mouth. As his teeth closed on it, tears sprang 
to his eyes and strangled imprecations to his lips. With a 
gasp of despair, and a look of tenderest don't-give-me-away 
l^leading, he tore the blazing cone from its resting-place, 
and clapped it on the table ; and with an exclamation that 
would not be permitted to pass through a telephone, said, 
"Just lie there and cool !" 

THE ALAMO. 

This place was the scene of the hardest battles during 
the old Mexican troubles ; and where Santa Anna's troops 
murdered the garrison under Col. David Crocket and Col. 



THE ALAMO. 345 

Wm. B. Travis. The Alamo, from which the town had its 
origin, was a chapel, built by a Komish mission, said to 
have been planted in 1673; thoiiuh it bore the date 1757. 
Its name in Spanish means "po])lar,"' and was derived, no 
doubt in a manner similar to that of Baton Rouge. Dui-- 
ing the early conflicts , it was converted into a fort ; and is 
known in liistor}^ as Fort Alamo. The entire area included 
more than two acres, and was surrounded by a wall 9 to 12 
feet high, and 3 feet thick. In 1835, the Mexican general 
surrendered San Antonio to the Texans ; but early in 1836, 
Santa Anna, the Mexican dictator, came with an army of 
3,000, and surrounded the town and fort, defended by 177 
men. The Mexicans planted 2 batteries, and kept up an 
active cannonade on the fort. There were also frequent 
skirmishes by day and alarms by night. Finally, Santa 
Anna called a council of war ; and it was decided to make 
a general assault at daybreak on the 6th of March. Three 
divisions advanced, while Santa Anna, taking his station 
with bands of music 500 yards south of the fort, sounded 
"No quarters !" The first division to attack, was repulsed 
handsomely ; the second was checked for some time ; but 
the third scaled the wall. Most of both officers and men 
were killed at their posts. Travis received a shot as he 
stood on the wall, cheering his men on. As he fell, a Mex- 
ican officer rushed forward to dispatch him ; Travis met his 
assailant with a thrust of his sword ; and they expired to- 
gether. The garrison kept up a deadly fire from the doors 
and windows. Some were posted in the old chapel, which 
had long been unroofed ; and there the last fighting took 
place. One was killed wdiile attempting to fire the maga- 
zine. A few who escaped from the enclosure, were shot by 
the cavalry. One officer with his child was shot while leap- 
ing from a chapel window. Tlie whole action occuj^ied less 
than an hour; and Santa Anna, entering toward the close, 
grossly insulted the bodies of his victims, and ordered them 
burned. Some Avere afterward found under mattresses, and 



346 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

served like the rest. This spot has been called, from that 
battle, "the Thennopyhe of Texas." 

The brutal Mexican leader supposed this would intim- 
idate the natives ; but it only aroused them to vengeance. 
Eight weeks later, at San Jacinto, Gen. Sam. Houston, at 
the head of 783 natives, came up with Santa Anna's army, 
charged them, shouting fiercely, ''Remember the Alamo!" 
and routed the greasers ; cajituring their leader. 

The town has grown to be a populous city ; the census 
of 1890 giving it 38,681. 

''breakbone" fever. 

This disease, which has already been mentioned, and 
which did not slight very many of us, is sometimes epi- 
demic in that region. It occurs in this form at intervals of 
four or five years, and is known as ''dengue." In many 
respects, it is identical with "yellow-jack ;" but with the 
important difference that "breakbone" rarely kills. It is 
also no respecter of persons ; and snaps its finger at accli- 
mation. The natives, however, get away with it easily. 
They quackle down their orange-leaf tea, pack their heads 
in cold, wet cloths ; and are soon over it. But it wasn't so 
with our comrades. One case describes the experience of 
nearly all. 

Morning broke on the tired-out veteran, after a long 
and fearful night in pitched battle with a brigade or two of 
gallinippers ; and he blessed the day , as the signal for re- 
treat of the sanguinary foe. He answered with cheerful 
alacrity, the call to "grub-pile ;" and contemplated the big- 
cupful of black coffee and the hard-tack with pleasurable 
anticipation. But it was for only a moment; for a cold, 
disagreeable sensation began creeping up his spinal col- 
umn. He put on his overcoat, but the sensation increased ; 
and in an instant he had lost his appetite . He first sought 
relief in wine, made from the native grapes ; but that was 
a failure. There was a sensation of nausea in the epigas- 



"ereakbone" fever. 347 

trie region, attended with shooting pains in the hack of his 
head. Outside, the noisy sokliers, quarreling over a game 
of "horse-shoe" quoits, or euchre, and anathematizing the 
man who brought them to Texas, made racket enougli to 
distract a healthy brain ; to the victim, groaning and toss- 
ing, with a raging headache, an aggravated toothache in 
every muscle, currents of molten lead coursing through 
every bone and bowel, — an earnest of sheol it seemed. To 
be broken on the wheel, or stretched on the rack, would be 
a sweet relief. Partial delirium attended the working of 
the disease ; and he became identified with everything in 
the camp. Then it seemed like he were floating in space ; 
vainly trying to get away from the body in which all the 
pain w^as centered, and with which he seemed to maintain 
only a nominal connection ; by no means pleasant, yet 
necessary to the complete appreciation of his new acquisi- 
tion. The alleged assistant-surgeon was applied to, and a 
score or two of symptoms described ; also the victim's sus- 
picions were ventured. The wonderful man of science felt 
the comrade's pulse, looked at his tongue, gave him three 
or four lively shakes, informed him it was only a slight bil- 
ious attack; and left him a dozen nasty-looking powders, 
with the injunction to take one just before eating. He was 
perfectly safe in the latter, so far as any good or evil result 
was concerned ; as the patient miglit have died forty times, 
from lack of virtual benefit contained in tliose little i)ack- 
ages, before he would have the slightest sign of an inclina- 
tion to eat. Still the battle raged. The headache assumed 
a spiral tone, like a huge auger, or the screw of a propeller, 
boring into his brain. His "mess" did all they could to 
relieve him ; but there is no consolation i'oi- a man with the 
"dengue." Every part of his physical composition, from 
head to foot, seemed broken into incli bits of cartilage and 
bone, and all grinding on each other. As the "hivakbone" 
finally gave signs of leaving, it was succeeded by an exag- 
gerated attack of "fever 'n' ager," that threatened to finish 



348 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

the subject. One shake of genuine Texas ague is equal to 
a dozen earthquakes, and almost as conclusive as an ordi- 
nary thunderbolt. Yet hundreds of comrades survived the 
terrible disease ; and are now, that the vigor of youth has 
yielded to the natural disablements of advanced age, pre- 
maturely decrepit, gazing into open graves, in consequence 
of the awful experience of that summer and fall in Texas. 

GENERAL WOOD's FAREWELL ORDER. 

About the middle of August, General T.J. Wood, by 
an order emanating from the War Department, relieving 
many general officers from their former commands, and 
assigning them to new ones, was transferred to the com- 
mand of the Department of Arkansas. The first intima- 
tion we had of his removal, was received by tlie soldiers of 
his old division in the following order, which was read on 
the next dress parade. The reproduction below is almost 
a perfect fac-simile of tlie original copy sent to the Fifty- 
First, which is still preserved by the writer : 

HEAD QUARTERS 3r() DIVLSIOX, 4tli ARMY CORPS, 
Gkekn liAKK, TioxAS, August 24tl), 1865. 

iS o L D I p: r s : 

All order assigning nie to duty in another depart- 
ment, dissolves our ofllleial relations. It is tlierefore necessary I .should 
take leave of you. Had it been consistent with the views and orders of 
the Government, I should have greatly preferred conductiug you to a 
rendezvous near to your homes, there to have seen you mustered-out of 
the service, and bidden j'ou a final adieu. It is ordered otherwise, and, 
as good .soldiers, we nuit<t submit cheerfully, and iieriorni with alacrity, 
whatever duty is imposed on us. 

Your military career has been glorious. Yon can retrospect the history 
of your i)articipation in the war f()r the suppression of the atrocious re- 
bellion with the proudest satisfaction ; unalloyed by any feeling of regret 
or .sorrow, save that which you teel for the brave comrades who fell on 
the battle field, or who have been disabled and maimed for life. To the 
bereaved and aflfiieted I am sure you will ever e.xtend the cordial sympa- 
thy of gallant soldiers. 

As a right fairly won, you can blazon on your banners a long roll of the 
proudest historic names — names which symbolize some of the hardest 
fought fields and grandest victories of the war. Your fair fame as sol- 



GENERAL WOOd's DEPARTURE. 349- 

diers will l)e the richest leyacy you can beciiieath to your posterity. It 
will be a priceless inheritance. 

Soldiers ! Remember that as you liave been ti;e -preservers of our 
nationality ill the great and terrible domestic war, you must consider 
yourselves tlie custftdians of our national honor and dignity and rights, 
and be ready to do battle for these great intere-sts whenever tlu-y may l)e 
imperilled, whether by a domestic or foreign foe. Having asserted the 
prineii)leof free government in tiie suppression of the rebellion, you must 
maintain it against all enemies. 

It is highly probable that I may chance in the future to meet many of 
you in civil life and I now request if such should be the case, none of you 
will hesitate to make yourselves known to me. I make this request for 
the reason that the change produced in your appearance l)y dotting the 
uniform of the soldier and donning the attire of the citizen will prevent 
me from recognizing many of you. It will ever afford me pleasure to 
greet any soldier who has served under my command. Particii)ation in 
common dangers, privations and hardships, and the sliaring of common 
triumphs, have warmly attached me to all of you, and cause nie to feel 
a deep interest in your future prosperity. I can wish you no better for- 
tune than that in the peaceful vocations of civil life your career may be 
as prosperous, successful and happy as your military career has been bril- 
liant, honorable and useful. To each one of you I bid a friendly good 
bye, with the assurance that from my inmost lieart goes forth a sincere 
invocation for God's blessing on you. Soldiers, farewell ! 

TH. J. WOOD, 

j\Iaj. General Vols. 

General Wood was indeed a friend to the common sol- 
dier ; and had endeared himself to them by his many acts 
of genuine kindness. They will ever hold dear to memory 
the name of ''Old Tommy Wood," as he was familiarly 
called, when spoken of, just as the idol of the Cumberland 
Army was called "Old Pap Thomas,'' and will always be 
proud of having belonged to the old division he had the 
honor to command through so many glorious campaigns, 
so many hard-fought battles and so many trying hardships. 
He was, on November 3, '65, by General Order No. 159, 
War Department, assigned to the command of tln> Army of 
the Tennessee. 

General Wood's removal \vas tlie feather tliat broke the 
camel's back. He never knew it, though ; and had he 
been present, he could have prevented the unhappy trans- 



■350 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

action which occurred. Some of the boys, like a certain 
impulsive element in every community, felt that they could 
stand no more ; and now their indignation asserted itself. 
They did not know the cause of his removal ; and did not 
stop to ask. They had a theory that it was in some way 
associated with their demand for muster-out ; and that was 
quite enough. Hundreds of soldiers, who had preserved 
their integrity till that moment, — and preserved it to the 
end, were sorely tempted to throw off the yoke, and openly 
denounce those who were responsible for this disaffection. 
The more considerate, though, sought to calm the impatient 
ones, who were threatening all kinds of things, and to pre- 
vent any disgraceful act that might mar their thus far bril- 
liant record. They succeeded in part. But some of the 
boys determined to demonstrate in some way ; and these 
decided on a parade in mock honor of the individual who 
was holding them in Texas. They found a burro, which is 
a diminutive donkey, a native of that region, about the size 
of a calf two weeks old, whose head constitutes one-half of 
the beast, is as hard as an oak post, and is surmounted by 
most enormous ears. They then constructed an effigy, as 
nearly resembling the person intended to represent, as the 
able artists could get up under the circumstances — in full 
uniform ; and strapping it onto the burro, paraded it thus 
through the whole camp, demanding, with terrible epithets 
and imprecations, the immediate muster-out of themselves 
and their comrades ; while showers of pebbles and volleys 
of clods and sticks were hurled against the devoted paddy. 
The brass ornaments shone resplendent in the evening sun, 
and dazzled all beholders. The bosom of the uniform stuck 
out like that of a Thanksgiving turkey ; the coat-tails float- 
ing gracefully behind, like a fashionable belle with a "Gre- 
cian bend." A ponderous saber clanked at his side, to 
which his spurs rattled a merry accompaniment. There 
was no response from headquarters ; and everything soon 
quieted down. 



THE BEGINNING OF THE END. 351 

About the first of September a large force was distrib- 
uted along the Rio Grande, in consequence of the disturbed 
condition of affairs reported there, and the escape of man}^ 
rebel soldiers and officers into Mexico, carrying with them 
arms and other property rightfully belonging to the United 
States. Along with this, a rumor prevailed, that Genei'u! 
Sheridan had an aralntion to fight Maximillian, and tliat 
he would try to take the 4th Oorps across the Mexican bor- 
der, on some pretext or other. The popular feeling among 
the rank and file was that a certain person was ambitious 
to be provisional governor, while another aspirant for hon- 
ors was to be known as the great American invader of the 
land of the Montezumas. Several officers who ealh'd ;u 
headquarters, to make inquiry about the cause of our de- 
tention in Texas ; there having been no development, since 
our entering the State, of any jDublic interest necessitating 
the presence of a large and expensive body of veteran sol- 
diers ; reported that they were snubbed, and returned as 
wise as they went. Many believed all this ; and it again 
threatened to demoralize the entire army in that section. 
Various methods were resorted to, to prevent insubordina- 
tion, and to relieve the dreadful pressure that seemed about 
to find vent in some sort of folly. 

Saturday, September 3, we were still in our old camp 
on Salado Creek. General Willich, who had been sick and 
absent from the command for a long time, had gone home, 
in accordance with the order from the War Deparment, re- 
ferred to ; and Brev .-Brig .-Gen. H. K. McConnell was com- 
manding our brigade. Major-General Wright, who was at 
that time commanding the Department of Texas, reviewed 
our brigade, at which time he was presented witli a ])etition 
signed by all the regimental commanders, and by tlie brig- 
ade commander also, for the immediate muster-out of our 
brigade ; which he readily approved , and promised to leave 
orders with General Stanley, for carrying into effect, as 
soon as he arrived at Victoria. 



352 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

October 4, Taswell Dockl, who was a recruit of '62, was 
mustered-out, by reason of expiration of service; and we 
were without a postmaster from that on. 

Then began a disintegration, that continued during 
our stay there. At Camp Weidner, October 22, altliough 
Sunday, 100 one-year men started for liome ; their term of 
service having expired. We Avere cheered with the infor- 
mation that an order was at division headquarters for the 
muster-out of the Fifty-First ; but grew gloomy when told 
we would be retained till after the State election. What 
did we care for the State election? All around us were the 
wasted forms of gallant boys, who in health marched up to 
the cannon's mouth, and charged serried hosts of rebels, to 
save the Nation,- and to preserve the honor of the old flag. 
They wanted to go home, while they were able to get there. 
And they were hopefully waiting. 

" Waiting for iunilth and strengti^ ; 

Counting each flickering pulse, eacli passing hour, 
And sighing, when the weary frame at length 
Hank like a drooping flower. 

Waiting for absent eyes. 

Brighter than sunrise to the lonesome sea; 
Lovely as life to youth's expectant gaze, 

And dear almost as heaven." 

BREAKING UP. 

Our brigade, that had included seven regiments, now 
began to be broken up. The 89th Illinois went to New 
Braunfels ; the 15th Ohio to Stanley's headquarters, at Vic- 
toria ; 8th Kansas to San Antonio ; 49th Ohio to Gonzales ; 
leaving with us the 71st Ohio, (General McConnell's old 
regiment,) and the 32d Indiana, (Willich's old regiment,) 
to preserve the ''roundness of our organic unity." It was 
expected we would be sent to Galveston. Camp duty was 
almost entirely suspended ; roll-calls were very irregular ; 
and the boys who were able and inclined, found amusement 
in fishing, gathering pecans and smoking "jerked" beef for 
prospective consumption while crossing the gulf, and on 



MUSTERED OUT. 353 

the way home. Most of the boys were convalescing from 
"breakbone" fever and Texas ague ; and simply sat around 
and waited. 

MIISTERED OUT. 

At length it came. About November 20, the following 

order was promulgated, and we got ready at once to march : 

Hdqks. Central District of Texas, 
AST. Adj. Gen.'s Office, 
.Sail Antonio, Tex., Nov. 10, 1865. 

Hl'ECIAL (>H1>EKS 

No. 234. [Extract.] 

In accordance witli Sjjecial Orders No. 02, Par. 5, Head (Quarters De- 
partment of Texas, dated Oalveston, Texas, Oct. 23d, I860, the fbllowinj^ 
Regiments will be mustered out of service: 

77tb Pennsylvania V. V. T., 15th Missouri V. V. I. 

■ 31st Indiana, " 28tli Kentucky. " 

23d Kentucky, " 13tli Ohio, " 

21st Kentucky, " .15th Ohio, " 

21st Illinois, " 71st Ohio, 

4Uth Indiana, " 4!)Mi Ohio, " 

57th Indiana, " 59th Illinois, " 

42d Illinois, " 8th Kansas, " 

64th Ohio, " 51st Indiana, " 

65th Ohio, " 32(1 Indiana. 

13th Wisconsin, " 

By command of Maj. Gen. D. S. tSiwNLEV, 

W. H. Sinclair, A. A. Geii. 
Certified to by W. Nicholas, Capt, & C. M., C. D. of Texas. 

In this order the commanding officers were directed to 
forward reports, designating the rendezvous eacli regiment 
should be sent to, for final payment and discharge. The 
muster-out rolls of the Fifty-First were at once made out, 
to date December 13, 1865; our rendezvous for final dis- 
charge was Indianajwlis ; and as eacli comi-ade attaclied his 
signature to the roll, he was then silently and informally 
mustered-out. Some desired theii- final discharge in Texas, 
for various reasons; and were mustered-out accordingly. 
Some were too ill to undertake the trijD across the gulf, and 
their partners did not want to leave them. A few wanted 
to invest their ])ay in cattle, and take them home for specu- 
lation. Tlie rest of us retraced our ste])s by the nearest 



354 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

route to Indianola, where we were to take the next ship to 
New Orleans. 

"Though long of waves and winds the sport, 
CondeniMed in wretchedness to roam ; 

Tliou .soon shalt reacli a sheltering port, — « 

A quiet home ! " 
Merry Christmas came to us as we lay on the sandy 
beach of Matagorda Bay ; the fifth anniversary of that day 
we had spent in the South ; but we had no pleasant medi- 
tations specially suited to that holiday. We can all recall 
now the joys of childhood, the row of fat stockings hanging 
at the fire-place, and our quarrels over our treasures — as 
every one else might. But we didn't meditate in that way 
there, on that bleak, dreary beacli. A variety of thoughts 
struggled for utterance ; but we were weak , and tired and 
sleepy ; and so we let them struggle on. 

BACK TO god's COUNTRY. 

Next day we went aboard a ship, and sailed to New 
Orleans ; arriving there in time to celebrate New Year's 
Day witli a feast of delicious oranges, fresh from the trees. 
We marched to the steamboat landing in a drenching rain, 
which held on till we went aboard the steamer "Clara Dol- 
son," that was to take us to Cairo, Illinois. 

Just as we reached the landing, the commissary wagon 
came up and issued several barrels of mess pork; which, 
as the boys had supplied themselves before we left Texas, 
with an abundance of nicely smoked "jerked" beef, was a 
rather unwelcome ration. While they were pondering over 
its disposition, the steward of the steamer approached the 
sergeant-major, and proposed that if the boys would bring 
their pork around to the cook-house, he would buy every 
pound of it. This was immediately communicated to each 
company ; and in a few minutes a line of soldiers formed 
half way round the boat, making their way to the steward's 
quarters ; where they soon exchanged their fat meat for a 
good price in cash . 



FINAL DISCHAKiiK. 355 

At Cairo we were delayed part of a day, on accouiu' of 
lack of transportation. Then we ])roceeded as rapidly as 
safety would permit, to Indianapolis ; where we found de- 
lightful quarters awaiting us in the "Soldiers' Home" on 
West street, near Georgia street, a comfortable building, 
somewhat similar to the one described elsewhere ; this one 
being capable of lodging 1,800 men, and having dining ac- 
commodations for 8,000. The building was fitted up by 
the State, and the rations were furnished by the (lovei'u- 
ment ; and it was one of the most complete institutions of 
the kind in the country. Regiments, as well as individ- 
uals, were furnished with warm meals and lodging, almost 
at a moment's notice. Here thousands of soldiers, contin- 
ually arriving and departing, some en i-oute to join theii' 
regiment in the field, othei's returning discharged, or on 
sick-leave or furlough, were provided foi-. At this place 
our final pay-rolls were signed, and we received oui- final 
pay and discharge. 

During the brief interval between our arrival and dis- 
charge, the boys were permitted to visit th(^ clothing stores ; 
and it was very amusing to observe the wonderful variety 
of selections made by the boys, as they exchanged their 
soldier suits for such other styles as pleased their fancy. 

The arrival of the paymaster, then, closed the last act 
in the great drama of our army life ; and as each comrade 
departed with his vellum certificate and his money, the 
Fifty-First Indiana Regiment, Vet(u-an Volunteer Infantry, 
as a legal and physical organization, faded like the mist 
before the morning sun. 



356 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA RECxIMENT. 



RECAPITULATION AND ROSTER. 

Adj .-Gen. Terrell's Report is very far from being ex- 
actly accurate ; not nearly so much from his errors, as the 
result of carelessness and incapacity of many whose duty it 
was to furnish the data from which that report was made 
up. Incorrect as it is, yet it is the only comprehensive 
record attainable suited for this work ; and it is therefore 
used just as it is, with such corrections as the compiler was 
enabled to make. 

ENGAGEMENTS. 

The following list of engagements in which the Fifty- 
First took part, is compiled from the Adjutant-General's 
Report; to wdiich must be added the fight at Charleston, 
Tenn., December 27, '63, and at Duck River, Columbia, 
Tenn., December 23, '64 ; besides a great many heavy skir-' 
mishes and sorties, that were not officially reportecj. : 

1862. April 7, Shiloh, (Pittsburg Landing,) Tenn. 
April 11 to May 30, Siege of Corinth. 
August 9, McMinnville, Tenn. 

August 21, Gallatin, Tenn. 

27, " " (Second) - 

October 8, Perry ville, (Chaplin Hills,) Ky. 
December 31 to January 2, '63, Stone River, (Mur- 
freesboro,) Tenn. 

1863. April 30, Day's Gap, Alabama. 

" " Crooked Creek, Alabama. 
May 2, Blount's Farm, Alabama. 
November 25, Mission Ridge, (Chattanooga,) Tenn. 



RECAPITULATION. FLAGS AND CAMPAIGNS . 357 

1864. January 10, Strawberry Plains, East Tennessee. 
12, Mossy Creek, " " 

" 17, Dandridge, " " 

August 15, Dalton, Georgia. 
November 26, Columbia, Tenn. 

30, Franklin, 
Deceml)er 15-16, Nashville, Tenn. 

CAMPAIGNS. 

Tennessee and Kentucky, - - - 1862 

Siege of Corinth, - . . . 1862 

Pursuit of Bragg, . . _ . i862 

Rosecrans in Tennessee, - - - 1863 

Streight's Raid - . . . . 1863 

Tennessee and Georgia, - - - - 1864 

Hood — Pulaski to Nashville, (and return,) - 1864 

Texas, --.-.. 1865 

FLAGS IN THE STATE LIBRARY. 

National Flag ; silk ; worn, torn and faded ; inscribed, 
"51st Regt. Ind. Vols." ; staif good. 

Regimental Flag ; blue silk ; split and torn ; inscribed, 
"51st Indiana Regiment Infantry," "Shiloh," "Corinth," 
"Chaplin Hills," "Stone River," "Day's Gap," "Crooked 
Creek," "Cedar Bluff," "Blount's Farm," "Shoal Creek," 
"Charleston," "Dandridge," "Battles of Nashville," "Co- 
lumbia;" "Duck River," staff good. 

Regimental Flag; blue silk ; worn, torn and faded; 
inscribed, "51st Regt. Indiana Vols.;" "Stone River, 
Tenn. ;" staff good. 



The Adjutant-General's Report, vol. 3, p. 18, says : 
"The P'ifty-First Regiment was mustered out at San Antonio, Te.xas, 
on tlie 13th of December, 1865, and arrived at Inrlianapolis on tlie lUth 
of January, ISGfi, with 23 officers and 286 men, under command of Lieut. 
Col. Wm. W. Set arce. On tlie foliouing day it had a puiilic reception, 
after wiiich itss officers and men were finally discharged from service." 



858 



FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



According to that authority, also, the Fifty-First had, 
from first to last, 43 original commissioned officers, 16 orig- 
inal non-commissioned officers, 880 original enlisted men, 
654 recruits, 295 re-enlisted veterans, 69 unassigned re- 
cruits, 7 ct)mmissioned officers died, 259 enlisted men died, 
130 deserted, 51 are unaccounted for ; a total of 1644. The 
roster reduces this number to 1614, as follows : 
Companies. ABODE P^GHIK Total. 

Killed 7 5 7 1 0-5 3 1 8 32 

Diseased 18 12 IG lU 4 1 4 6 21 20 109 

Unknown 8 4 8 9 15 17 11 2<) 8 4 97 

•Wounded 5 2. 1 o 5 4 1 28 

Poisoned (I 1 1 

Drowned 1 1 

Drafted 7 15 82 18 21 9 14 27 2(1 164 

Substitutes 18 1 8 13 18 6 19 12 11 7 108 

Deserted 22 22 8 14 9 15 17 2 7 21 137 

Veterans 21 29 33 15 31 25 80 36 27 23 270 

Non-Veterans 143 115 117 141 129 132 116 119 123 135 1270 

Aggregate. 164 144 150 156 160 157 146 155 150 158 1540 

Field and Staff... 29 

Unassigned 45 

Grand Total 1614 



RETROSPECTION. 'Ar>9 




RETROSPECTION. 
Dear Comrades : 

Stop and listen to what 1 have; to say : 
I want to scan .your faces, and shake your hands to-day. 
The years have rushed by swiftly, yet it seems an age to nie. 
Since "Old Pap" Thomas had his last review in Tennessee. 
There was color in your faces then, and fire in your eyes, • 
And courage in your loyal hearts that nothing could disguise ; 
We marched and fought together in sunshine rain and snow, 
On Southern plains and mountain-sides, many years ago. 
A vision floats before me, a phantom troop goes by. 

With bayonets glistening brightly, and banners waving high : 
Down to the fields of strife they go, with proud and gallant tread ; 
Down to the feast of carnage — to the harvest of the dead. 
Burdens of hardships on their backs, burdens of hunger and thirst : 
Burdens of pictures on their hearts, — almost ready to burst ; 
Pictures of motiier and sister, of sweetheart and of wife ; 
Pictures of bovhood's sunny home, dearer to them than life! 
I hear again the sad good-bye, and the mother's piteous wail ; 
I hear the love-lorn maiden's sigh, as her lovely cheek turns pait-: 
I hear old Jim and Curl, as they fifed and drummed that day. 
I hear the tramp in the morning damp, as. my comrades marcli away, 
And they stride with steady pace — with their faces all aglow 
With youth and love and loyalty, as they did so long ago. 

Now a bronze is on their faces, as I look along the line; 
And rent and rip have sadly marred the uniform so fine; 
A beard is growing on the lij) so late by mother pressed ; 
The slender boy is stouter now than sweetheart once caressed ; 
And battle-scars show here and there, and some show signs of pain : 
And some are sighing for the home they ne'er sliall sey again ; 
Some are dying— far from home, alone — and some are dead : 
Killed by dread contagion, or by rebel lead; 



360 



FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 



Yet their spirits march before me, and their faces all T know, 
As we comrades knew each other, in the long ago. 



They've gone I — as all the years have gone, since we put oft" the blue; 

Some to watch above the graves where lie the brave and true ; 

In "soldiers' liome" and poor-house some find a bivouac brief, 

While many dras: along life's march in sf^rrow and in grief. 

I cannot tell how^you have fared, my comrades, — all so dear ! 

How, as the seasons came and went, you've wi-ought from year to year; 

Whether you've had to "forage" much to keep your "mess" supplied. 

Or if the "fat" exceeds the "lean" in every "bacon-side; " 

Or if the "hard-tack'' you have drawn is full of "worms" and "mould; " 

Or if you've lined your pockets with loads of shining gol<i ; 

But there's a tie no others know — all will agree, I ween, — 

That binds the boys of Hixty-one, who drank from the same canteen. 

No matter what that vessel held, sweet milk or apple-jack. 

Or water from some stagnant pool, or coffee strong and black, 

Gurgled from its rusty neck, or emptied in a cup ; 

As long as e'er it lasted, we divided, sup by sup. 

We marched and bunked together on the mountam-side and plain; 

On barks of ti'ees we made our beds at Shiloh, in the rain; 

You nursed me in my sickness, and brought me back to life ; 

Your cheers inspired my courage, in the din and heat of strife; 

When my haversack was empty, you opened wide your own ; 

When sutler's checks were out, you knew just where to get a loan. 

And so, my grizzled comrades, as we near life's ragged edge, 

I warm to you, and here renew our old fraternal pledge. 

Our tramping days are nearly done ; our sun is in the west ; 

We're nearing camp ; — I see the light ! we soon will take our rest ; 

But while we'i-e on the tramp, let's go together down the slope; 

And be together in tliat land of life and love and hope. 

So, here's a health to you and yours, my comuades true and brave, — 

To the dear old flag we love so much, — forever may it wave ! 

Here's to the mothers, wives and girls, whose hearts were all aglow, — 

Whose spirits marched and suffered with us in the long ago ! 



THE ROSTER. 361 

ROSTER OF FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA. 

The uniform date of muster-in, whicli appears in each 
company, is by no means correct ; as many sokiiers enlisted 
and were mustered in as early as August ; and should have 
been so recorded. The only explanation of this error is, 
that in making out the original company pay-rolls, it was 
easier for the scribes to make ditto marks, than to fill out 
the dates. The Adjutant-General's Report was doubtless 
made up from these pay-rolls. The excessive ''red-tape" 
that prevailed then, may also have had something to do 
with it. The compiler has taken no liberty with the Re- 
port, save in a few instances, where he was requeisted to do 
so by the individuals interested. 

Explanation. — A date immediately after a name, indi- 
cates the muster-in of each individual ; except original rnu pter- 
in, which is given at the head of each Company. An italic 
r signifies "veteran.'' Other dates and abbreviations ex- 
plain themselves . 



FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonel. 
Abel D. Streight, Dec. 12, '61 ; com'd Sept. 4, '61 ; resig 
Mar. 16, '65. 

Licutenanf- Colonel. 
Benj. J. Spooner, Dec. 4, '61 ; com'd same date ; res June 
16, '62 ; re-entered service as Colonel 83d Regiment. 

Major. 
Wm. H. Colescott, Dec. 7, '61 ; com'd Oct. 9, '61 ; pro Lt.- 
Col. June 7, '62 ; res Feb. 26, '63. 
Adjutant. 

Jno. W. Ramsey, Dec. 7, '61, com Dec. 4, '61, res Nov. 28, '62. 

Quartermaster. 
John G. Doughty, Sept. 30, '61 ; com'd Sept 27, '61 ; hou 
dis Sept. 30, '64. 

Chapld in . 
Elias Gaskins, Dec. 14, '61 ; com'd Oct. 22, '61 ; res Mar. 
26, '(53. 



362 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT, 

Sarcjeon. 
Erasmus B. Collins, Dec. 6, '61 ; com'd Nov. 19, '61 ; res. 
Mar. 22, "63 ; re-com'd Apr. 6, '64 ; must-oUt Dec. 13, '65. 
Assistant Surgeons. 
David Adams, Dec. 9, '61 ; res. Nov. 8, '62. 
Wm. Moorehead, pro tem ; com'd Apr. 25, '62. 
Wm. P. Parr, " '' 

John W. Pearce, com'd Sept. 27, '62 ; res. Apr. 15, '65. 

Sergeant- Major. 
Wm. M. Cochran, Dec. 14, '61 ; dis. June 19, '62, disability. 

Hospital Steward. 
Henry R. King, Dec. 14, '61 ; pro. Ast. Surg. Dec. 6, '62 ; 
must-out Dec. 13, '65. 

Quartermaster^ s Sergeant. 
Henry C. Long, Dec. 14, '61 ; pro. Q. M. 124th Regt. 

I^rincijial Musicians. 
James H. Todd, Dec. 14, '61 ; must-out (about) Mar. 20, '62. 
Alonzo I). Coe, " " " " 

Musieians. 
[Miistert'd-in December 14, 1861 ; iiiusterefJ-out (about) March 20, 1862.] 
Alvin B. Charpie, Geo. W. Coil, 

James Douglas, John H. Murphy, 

Newton H. Morgan, Otho Olinger, 

AVm. R. Beck with, " Samuel Lavey, 

Jesse D. Zern, Ira Mason, 

Elias Olinger, Charles West. 

Bartley Marrer, 



COMPANY A. 

[Original imister-in, December 13, 1861.] 

Captain. 

Jacob H. Fleece, com'd Oct. 11, '61 ; res. Aug. 9, '62. 

JFirst Lieutenant. 
Milton Russell, com'd Oct. 11, '61 ; pro. Captain Aug. 10, 
'62; hon. dis. Dec. 30, '64. 

Second Lieutenant. 
Harvey Slavens, com'd Oct. 11 , '61 ; died Mar. 27,' 62. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 3()3 

First Sergeant. 
Wm. A. Adair, pro 2d Lt. Apr. 24, '62 ; 1st Lt. Aug. 10, 
'62 ; honorably discharged Mar. 12, "().'). 
SergeantH. 
John Harlan, discharged May 2, '62, disability. 
Geo. A. Proctor, died May 30, '63. 

Amos C. Weaver, dis Mar. 11, '65, wounds at Daltou, (Ja. 
Wm. N. McLevad, dis Oct. 25, '63, disabiliy. 

Corporalx. 
Jeremiali Givens, pro Captain Mav 1, '65; mustered-out 

Dec. 13, '65. 
Silas Gardner, deserted Ma}- 1, '62. 
Wm. T. Linn, raustered-out Dec. 14, '64. 
John Emmons, pro 1st Lt. May 1, '65 ; mustered-out Dec. 

13, '65. 
Mahlon A. Dyer, v, pro 2d Lt. May 1, '(S~), must-out Mar. 6. 

'66, to date Dec. 13, '65. 
Willis Slavens, discharged June 29, '62, disability. 
George W. Shackelford, v, mustered-out Dec. 13, '65. 
Wm. B. Gibson, mustered-out Dec. 14, *64. 

I^'ivates. 
Geo. W. Adams, killed May 28, '63. 
David Alley, r, mustered-out Dec. 13, '65. 
John Allen, deserted Aug. 1, '62. 
Patterson J. Brown, deserted June 9, '(54. 
Abner A. Bryan, died May, '62, at Evansville. 
Francis M. Barber, v, pro corporal ; must-out Dec. 13, '65. 
David Budd, killed at Murf'boro, Jan. 2, '63. 
Oscar F. Brown, discharged July 5, '63, disability. 
Joseph Buchanan, died Feb. 10, '64. 
Robert A. Condiff, killed at Columbia Jan. 19, '65. 
Samuel G. Cook, r, pro sergeant; must-out Dec. 13, '65. 
John R. Cook, v, pro corporal ; " " 

Warner L. Cole, ■' Feb. 14, |65. 

Geo. W". Crayner, r, pro corporal ; " Dec. 13, '()5. 
Wm. Duckworth, killed at Murfreesboro Jan. 2, '63. 
Wm. Davis, discharged Oct. 27, '62, disability. 
Francis M. Davis, mustered-out Dec. 14, '64. 
Martin Debard , deserted Aug. 15, '62. 
John J. Ellington, discharged June 23, '62, disability. 
Joseph B. Fleece, killed at Nashville, Dec. !<'>, "64. 



364 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Geo. J. Frenyear, died Aug. 1, 'Ho. 

Richard Frazier, deserted Nov. 1, '62. 

John R. Give IIS, discharged June 29, '63, disability. 

Tliomas Gardner, deserted June 17, '65. 

Samuel Gwinn, discharged July 5, '62, disability. 

Anthony Gardner, died Dec. 7, '63. 

Win. Houston, v, mustered-out Dec. 13, '65. 

Wade H. Harrison, " Dec. 14, '64, exp. service. 

John W. Hunt, discharged Mar. 1, '63, disability. 

Wm. P. House, " July 10, '62, disability. 

Wm. H. Harvey, pro 2d Lt. Sep. '62 ; must-out Dec. 14, '64. 

Jesse Jones, discharged July 4, '62, disability. 

Wm. T. Jordan, r, pro corp ; mustered-out Dec. 13, '65. 

Samuel A. Johnson, 

Francis Kelly, v, pro corporal ; •• " 

Henry T. Kirk, i\ " " 

James S. Linn, r, pro sergeant; " " 

John Lookabaugh, v, deserted June 17, 'C-t-^. 

Wm. Lovell, mustered-out June 4, 'i^iS. 

George W. Moore, discharged June 25, '62, disability. 

Henry C. Moore, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Eli Marshall, "' Dec. 2, '61. 

Mason Morris, v, deserted June 17, "()5. 

John Morris, discharged May 1, "62, disabilitv. 

G. W. McCormick, died Apr. 5, 'i^o. 

Berriman McCormick, deserted June 17, '(55. 

Richard S. Marun, died Sept. !(>, '()2. 

John Osborn, discharged June IS, '62, disability. 

Joseplms Osborn. " June 11, '(J2, disability. 

Wm. D. Osborn, died Mar. 3. '62. 

James B. Proctor, v, pro sergeant ; discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Williamson Page, discharged Feb. 1, '63, disability. 

Logan Russell, " Sept. 18, '62, disability. 

Thomas Rose, " Sept. K), '()2, disability. 

James I. Rose, died Sept. 18, '62. 

John Roberts, v, pro corporal; discharged Dec. 13; '65. 

Thomas B. Riggins, died Dec. 10, '61. 

Joseph Sears, killed at Stone River, Jan. 2, '63. 

Milton Slavens, discharged June 25, '62. 

James Southerland, died July 1, '()2. 

Edward Shepherd, died at Camp Chase, June 1, '63. 

James Sheckles, discharged Aug. 1, '62, disability. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A. ' 365 

Ira F. Shurley, discharged June IS, '(;2, disability. 

Ed. L. Shurley, /', transferred to 1st U.S. Eng. July K), 'H4. 

David Steers, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 

John P. Smith, pro Hospital Steward, dis Dec. 14, '04 . 

Caleb Smith, discharged Apr. 17, '(55. 

Daniel Schrayer, discharged Dec. 14, '(54 . 

Franklin F. Soots, died Nov. 1, '02. 

John C. Trotter, discharged Aug. 10, '(>2. 

William Tout, v, mustered-out Dec. 18, '(55. 

Jas. M. Warren, died Jan. 80, '(52. 

John E. Walker, transferred to the mariiie Sept. 20, '(52. 

Montreville Waddel, discharged May 29, '05, wounds. 

Amos Warrick, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 

John M. White, v , pro corporal ; discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Jif-crnifx. 

David S. Adams, Sept. 11, '(52 ; died Jan. 25, '(53. 

John A. Anderson, June 29, '03 ; deserted July 10, '(55. 

John J. Armstrong. Oct. 13, '(54 ; drafted, des June 14, '(55. 

Marcellus Brown, accid killed, Athens, Tenn., Apr 20, '(54 . 

John W. Brooks, Aug. 10, '(53 ; deserted June 17, '(55. 

James A. Booher, Oct. 0. '04 ; sub, dis May 20, '05, wounds. 

Alpheus Booher, " " " Oct. 19, "(55. 

James Beaver, Oct. 14, '04; " " July 18, '05. 

Nicholas Berget, Sept. 28, '64, drafted, dis July 18, '05. 

Frederick Berget, Oct. 9, '04, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

Francis Buler, Sept. 16, '64, drafted, never reported. 

Frederick Barker, Oct. 17, '(54, substitute, never reported. 

Lewis A. Concliff. Aug. 1, '(53, died Oct. 29, '(54. 

John H. Crabb, Oct. 5, "(53, transf'd to V. R. (^ Apr. 6, 'm. 

John H. Crabb, " died Feb. 15, 'i^o, wounds. 

John Christy, Oct. 18, '(54, died Feb. 17, '05, at Nashville. 

Noah Cloe, Oct 7, '(54. substitute, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

Carey Cooper, Oct l4, '(54, " 

Allen Danner, June 15, '(53, discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 

William S. Dayton, Sept. 21, '(53, " 

John Douglas, Mar. 28, '(54, 

George W. Davis, Oct. 14, '(54, " Oct. 19, '(55, subst. 

George W. Durand. , deserted Apr. 20, '(55. 

William A. Ellis, July 29, '03, discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
John T. Ellis. Mar. 28, '(j4, 

Marion Fitch. Oct. 22, '02, pro Hosp. St'd, dis Oct. 22, '(55. 
Peter Fuhrer, Oct. 15, '04. substitute, dis July 17, '05. 



S66 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA llEGIMENT. 

Francis M. Green, Oct. 8, 'US, discharged June 9, '64. 
George S. Givens, Nov. 11, '64, " Dec. 13, '65. 
William Hockman, Oct. 13, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Alpheus P. Job, Mar. 11, '65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Jacob Kurz, Oct. 7, '64, substitute, deserted June 17, '65. 
George W. Manley, July 6, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Jolm W. McCormick, July 22, '63, died Mar. 13, '65. 
William S. McCormick, Aug. 21, '63, transf V. R. C. Apr. 

1,'65. 
Aq. S. McCormick, Apr. 7, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Stephen L. McCormick, Mar. 29, '(54, deserted June 17, '65. 
William Matthew, Aug. 29, '63, 

Frederick Mosier, Sept. 28, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Jacob Mosiman, " " '■' " 

William P. Moore, Aug. 12, '(53, deserted June 15, '65. 
Levi Olmstead, Oct. 22, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

James F. Ohaver, , deserted, arrested, time made up. 

Wm. T. Parkhurst, Sep. 8, '62, transf Y. R. C. Dec. 12, '63. 

Dudley H. Parker, June 24, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Wm. A. Phillips, Oct. 15, '63, pro corp, " 

James Price, Oct. 6, '64, sub, died of wounds." 

Wm. A. Pratt, Oct. 4, '64, substitute, deserted Nov. 18, '65. 

James D. Pickard, Oct. 15, '(54, " discharged Oct. 11, '6)5. 

Warren Rice, Nov. 23, '63, deserted June 15, '65. 

John P. Round, Nov. 11, '64, discharged Nov. 15, '65. 

Peter Reitz, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

Elwood F. Richards, Oct. 14, '64, died Aug. 23, '65. 

John Smith. Apr.' 18, '62, died July 4, '62. 

Thomas J. Smith, Apr. 18, '62, dis Dec. 1, '62, disability. 

George E. Shiner, June 29, '63, deserted July 10, '65. 

Thomas J. Spurgeon, Oct. 13, '64, drafted, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

Frederick Scott, Oct. 14, '64, died of wounds Dec. 17, '65. 

William T. Tout, June 6, '(53, died Apr-. 10, '63. 

Ephraim Tull, Sep. 30, '(54, substitute, killed Dec. 16, '(54. 

William T. White, Sep. 11, '62, died Dec. 28, '62. 

John A Ward, July 29, '63, died of wounds Jan. 15, '(35. 

Henry N. M\ard, July 29, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John'-M. Watts, Sep. 24, '63, 

William H. Watkins, Oct. 6, '(54, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

William P. Ward, Oct. 14, '64, 

Roland F. Wiltshire, Oct. 12, '(54, " . 

Jonathan Woter, Oct. 22, '(53, 



ROSTER OF COMPAXV P.. :}(;" 

Henry Wivel, , deserted A])r. !20, '(;,">. 

William W. Watts, Apr. 3, '65, discharged Dec. 1:;. '(;."). 
Richard L. Watts, Feb. 24, '05, " 



COMPANY B. 

[Original muster-iii, Deceml)er 14, 1801.] 
Captain. 
David A. McHolland, com'd Oct. 11, '<)1 , pro Majoi- Apr. 
25, '()3, pro Lt.-Col. June 30, 'H3, pro Col. Mar'. 17, ■(i5, 
ranstered-out as Major Apr. 17, '65. 
i'Vr.sf' Lieutenant. 
Albert Light, com'd Oct. 11, '61, died Feb. 24. ■(•)2. 

Second Lieutenant. 
Adolphus H. Wonder, com'd Oct. 14, "(n, pi-o 1st Lt Mar. 
15, '62, pro Capt June 30, '(53, died in ])i-is(>n Charles- 
ton, S. C, Sept. — , '64. 

First Sergeant. 
Jeremiah Sailor, pro 2d Lt Mar. 15, '62, died — . 

Sergeants. 
Wm. R. Lewis, pro 2d Lt June 30, '63, pro Ca))T X<»v. 23, 

'64, resigned June 11, '65. 
J. Skinner, discharged Apr. 7, '63, by order. 
Jeremiah Fogerty, deserted Oct. 16, '02. 
Edwin R. Arnold, pro 1st Lt June 30. '03, mustei-cd-out 
Jan. 25, 'i'yrt. 

Corporals. 

J. F. Sliafer, discharged Jan. 13, 'iS?). 

Aaron Kenoyer, r, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 

John D. Morgan, pro 1st Lt Feb. 0, '()5, pro Capt June 12, 

'65, raustered-out Dec. 13, '65. 
G. E. Tiffany, r, killed Nov. 26, '64, at Columbia. Tcnn. 
J. S. Hurst, 'r, 

William Deweese, discharged Dec. 2, 'O:}, disal)ility. 
A. Arnold, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 
D. Doty, unaccounted for. 

Musicians. 
Samuel Yoman, deserted July 1, '02. 
J. Bramble, discharged Mar. 26, '63, by order. 



368 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Wagoner. 
K. Ferguson, discharged Oct. 12, '63, by order. 

Prh'atc.'<. 
Robert Barr, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
JohnBurk, " Dec. 14, '64. 

John Bridgman, ' " 

John Branson, c, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Robert Barkhurst, died at Nashville, Nov. 30, '62. 
Isaac N. Bush, deserted June 2, '62. 
Samuel Bechtel, died Feb. 7, '62. 
William Board, " 

John Bigger, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Abraham Cornelius, discharged May 21, '62. 
Samuel Clark, killed at Day's Gap, Apr. 30, '63. 
William Collins, v, unaccounted for. 
John Coshow, killed at Day's Gap, Apr. 30, '63. 
Thomas Crawn, discharged Mar. 13, '65. 
Reece A. Denny, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Smiley Dawson, discharged Nov. 20, '62. 
Daniel C. Darroh, deserted Sept. 15, '63. 
Bartholomew Davis, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Ennis, deserted June 16, '63. 
Thomas Evans, died at Bowling Green, Mar. 16, '62. 
Alexander Ekey, discharged Nov. 12, '62. 
John Feely, '' ^ May 15, '62. 

Patrick Griffin, transf to V R C Jan. 14, '64. 
John Greer, discharged Feb. 28, '63, disability. 
George W. Haney, "discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Walter Hawkins, 

Jacob Hosier, " " 

John T. Harris, 

William Haney, v, " Dec. 13, '65. 

George W. Hershman, died Apr. 22, '62. 
James H. Harrington, discharged July 3, '62, disability. 
Ezra G. Handley, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Henry Howery, died Dec. 24, '61. 

James Helms, /', pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Hatfield, /', " " 

Ephraim T. Ham, died Apr. 23, '63. 
Lemuel J. Johnson, discharged July 16, '62, disability. 
Isaac P. Johnson, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Eli Jackson, died at Louisville, Feb. 16, '62. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 369 

James Kenoyer, i', pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 

Leroy H. W. Kelly, discharged Nov. 11, '02, by order. 

James Keeiian, deserted Dec. 20, '01. 

John Karnes, died Mar. 15, '02, Nashville, disease. 

Samuel Lyon, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 

Abel Lyon, deserted May 2, '02. 

John B. Lyon, dis June 13, '02, disability, re-enl'd Feb. 10, 

'04, pro Hospital Steward, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Cyrus Lowthain, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
.lohn Lowe, discharged Dec. 27, '02, disability. 
Robert Love, died Jan. 2, '02, wounds at Stone River. 
John F. McKee, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 
William G. Mcintosh, died Jan. 20, '02. 
Perry C. Mcintosh, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Dennis P. Morris, v, mustered-out Dec. 13, '05. 
Henrv W. Meredith v, pro sergeant, pro 2d Lt Oct. 1, '05, 

discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Alexander A. Myers, r, mustered-out Dec. 13, '05. 
Charles Mallet, v, pro 1st Lt June 12, '05, dis Dec. 13, '05. 
Martin V. Manly, discharged Dec. 14. '04. 
James Nottingham, died Feb. 4, '02. 
Stark Olmsted, v, discharged May 29, '05. 
Jonathan Pruett, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
William Perigo, deserted Dec. 1,'02. 

William H. Reeves, v, pro corp, mustered-out Dec. 13, '05. 
Alfred Smythman, discharged Jan. 2cS, '03, disability. 
George W. Smith, mustered-out Dec. 14, "04. 
David G. Smith, died May 7, '02. 
Benjamin Y. Smith, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 
■lonathan Staton, v, deserted June 21, '05. 
Thomas Scott, v, pro corp, mustered-out Dec. 13, '05. 
Edward Sherman, r, " " 

Harry Troup, /-, killed at Overton Hill,, Dec. 10, '04. 
Harvey J. Thomas, deserted Mar. 3, '02. 
William .J. Wilcox, r, deserted June 21, '05. 
Barden B. West, r, mustered-out Dec. 13, '05. 
Ira Yoman, discharged July 3, '02, disability. 

Hecridfu. 

Sylvester Bennett, Sept. 19, '03, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Henry Bishop, Nov. 4, '04, discharged Nov. 14, '05. 
Lewis I. Bailev, Oct. 15, '04, discharged June 13, '05. 
John S. Black, Oct. 22, '04, deserted Julv in.'05. 
24 



370 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Thomas J. Bennett, , discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John Beckdol, Feb. 24, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '64. 
James Corn, Aug. 29, '63, 

John S. Christopher, Sept. 29, '63, deserted Jan. 29, '64. 
Charles W. Clifton, Oct. 3, '63, pro Q M Sergt., discharged 

Dec. 13, '65. 
George Cut-singer, Oct. 29, '1)4, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Isaac C. Denny, Apr. 13, '64, discharged May 17, '65. 
Jesse Dodson, Mar. 24, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Charles B. Davis, Nov. 3, '64, discharged Nov. 19/65. 
Moses Edgings, Oct. 8, '64, discharged Oct. 29, '65. 
Amos Easterling, Sept. 23, '64, to date Dec. 19, '63, pro Ast 

Surg June 7, '65. discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John A. Gwinn, Ang. 29, '63, dis July 4, '65, disability. 
John J. Horn, '' deserted June 21, '65. 

Ephraim Haney, " discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
Robert F. Humphrey, Aug. 15, '()3, discharged June 5, '65. 
George W. Hotenstein, Sept. 19, '63, discharged May 23,'65 
Levi Haney, Sept. 29, '63, died May 23, '65. 
George W. Hayton, Apr. 8, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Hamilton, Oct. 22, '(54, discharged Oct. 29, '65. 

Robert Johnston, , deserted June 21, '65. 

Francis P. Jones, Dec. 9, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Samuel D. Kilgore, Oct. 20, '(34, deserted July 10, '65. 
Thomas F. Landrum, Sept. 12, '63, deserted Dec. 25, '63. 
Charles W. Lynch, Oct. 12, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Elijah Long, Oct. 21, '63, discharged Dec. 13. '65. 
David A. Lunday, May 20, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Joshua Matthews, Aug. 10, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John G. Messersmith, Aug. 17, '63, discharged Dec. 13/65. 
John Musson, Mar. 24,'64, died Dec. 18, '64, wounds. 
John N. Maxwell, Oct. 24, '64, discharged Aug. 24,'65. 
Edmund A. McClintock, Oct. 28, '(34, discharged Oct. 29, '65 
Hiram H. McClain, Nov. 3, '64, discharged Nov. 14,'65. 
Warren Marsh, Nov. 15, '64, discharged Nov. 14,'65. 
Albert Myers, Dec. 8, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James M. Owens, Aug. 10, '63, discharged June 5, '65. 
John Quarterman, Sept. 2, '63, deserted June 21, '65. 
Michael Ryan, July 7/63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John Robinson, Sept. 19, '63, discharged June 5, '65. 
Naman C. Roney, Mar. 24, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
George W. Reed, Nov. 3, '64, deserted June 21, '65. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 371 

Henry Stafford, , dis S War Dep Aug. o/Go. 

Tyler Stafford, , deserted Feb. 25/65. 

Joseph P. Tyler, July 7/63, deserted Sept. 15,'65. 
Wm. W. Thoroughman, Sept. 29, '63, dis July 22, '65. 
James Tegart, Feb. 2, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Benjamin F. Wheeler, Oct. 24,'64, sub, dis Oct. 29. '(;5. 



COMPANY C. 

[Original muster-in, December 14, 1801.] 
Captain. 

James W. Sheets, com'd Oct. 11, '61 , pro Lt-Col Apr. 25, '63, 
died as Capt, wounds at Day's Gap, June 21, '63. 
First Lieutenant. 

Samuel Lingerman., com'd Oct. 11, '61, pro Capt June 30, 
'63, died May 1, '64. 

Second Lieutenant. 
Aaron T. Dooley, com'd Oct. 11, '61, pro 1st Lt June 30, '63 
discharged May 12, '65. 

First Sergeant. 
Charles E. Stephens, pro 2d Lt June 30, '()3, dis Mar. 1,'65. 

Sergeants. 
William F. Hadden, discharged Oct. 20, '62, disability. 

John T. Dinwiddle, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
David C. Lane, discharged Dec. 14, '()4. 
William Kelly, 

Corporals. 
James M. Munday, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Joseph A. Munday, killed at Stone River, Dec. 31, '02. 
Joseph Wagner, deserted Sept. 20, '62. 
Calvin Dickerson, discharged Dec. 14, '(54. 
Floyd Dickerson, " " 

John C. Call, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John V. Parker, " Dec. 14, '64. 

William V.Brown, " 

Mu.<<icians. 
William C. Welshans, discharged Dec. 1 1,'c, 1. 

Wagoner. 
William M. CraAvford, discharged Dec. 14, (14. 



372 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Privates. 

Gabriel H. Adams, v, pro 2d Lt May 1,'65, 1st Lt June 1, 
'65, discharged Dec. 13/65. ' 

Joshua G. Adams, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '(>5. 

Francis M. Arbuckle, discharged Jan. 9, '65. 

Lewis T. Armstrong, discharged July 15, '62, disability. 

John F. Bates, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Francis M. Brittain, discharged Aug. 15, '63, disability. 

James Bryant, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Joseph Brown, transf Invalid Corps June 23, '63. 

William C. Clements, v, pro corporal, dis Dec. 13/65. 

Huey Curtis, discharged Aug. 30, '62, disability. 

Charles P. Cox, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John M. Champion, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

James L. Davidson, discharged July 12, '62. 

James A. Dickinson, died June 29, '62. 

Arthur Dooley, discharged Dec. 14, '64.- 

Norman L. Dixon, " " 

Reuben Eaton, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Richard H. Ellis, died at Mooresville, Ala., July 4, "62. 

Thomas Elburn, died Mar. 4, '63. 

Mason Flinn, deserted Nov. 16, '62. 

John Gasper, v, discharged June 19, '65, disability. 

James S. Griggs, v, pro 1st Sergt, pro 1st Lt Oct. 1,'65, dis- 
charged Dec. 13, '65. 

William Greenlee, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

James A. Godfrey, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

William Hancock, transf to Corps d'Afrique June 20, '64. 

Stephen Hilton, died at Mooresville, Ala., Julv 2, "62. 

William T. Hensley, died Mar. 29, '62. 

Robert C. Hall, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John W. Hensley, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Isaac Hensley, died Feb. 6, '62. 

Enoch Hill, died Jan. 15, '62. 

Jeremiah B. Hodson. v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

William D. Holder, died June 8, '65. 

William R. Hartpence, v, pro Sergt-Major Nov. 12, '64, dis- 
charged Dec. 13, '65. 

Jacob O. Iddings, died Apr. 12, '62. 

Alexander W. Jones, deserted May 14, '62. 

William H. Jelf, v, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Cornelius S. Kurtz, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '6)5. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 373 

James M. Laiidon, r, discharged Dec. 18/G5. 

AVilliam D. Lewis, r, pro sergeant Oct. 1/63, 2d Lt Oct. 1, 

'65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Tihiian A. McDaniels, killed while prisoner, May 12, '63. 
John F. McKinley, v, discharged Dec. 13,'()5. 
Chares A. McWilliams, killed at Blountsville, May 2, '63. 
Archibald Nesbit, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Charles Newnam, discharged Nov. 9, '64, disability. 
Silas Osborn, killed at Day's Gap, Apr. 30, '63. 
William B. ().sborn, /-, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65 
Oliver H. Pike, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Eli Phillips, killed at Stone River, Jan. 1,'63. 
Henry C. Rumney, /', discharged Dec. 13,65. 
Thomas N. Runnels, discharged June 24, '62, disability. 
Thomas A. Reynolds, died Nov. 7, '62. 
Henry S. Rounds, died Feb. 19, '(52. 
Thomas J. Shirley, discharged Ma}'^ 18, '63, disability. 
William Shockley, r, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
Silas Sturman, deserted Sept. 10, '62. 
William C. Summers, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
William A. Summers, r, pro sergeant dis Dec. 13, '65. 
John B. Scherer, discharged Nov. 14, '62, disability. 
William Sharpe, discharged Dec. 14,'64. 
James M. South, 

Reuben T. Templin, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James W. Tout, r, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
David Thompson, discharged May 15, '63, disability. 
Elkin Toney, discharged Dec. 14, "(U. 
Milton B. Vannice, discharged June 2<S, "62, disability. 
John F. Williams, died Nov. 13, '62. 
Henry M. Welshans, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Samuel W. Watts, r, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John W. Wells, r, killed at Overton Hill, Dec. 16, '64. 
Elijah C. Whitaker, /', pro chief musician, dis Dec. 13, '6)5. 
John T. Whitaker, /■, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Reeruif>>. 
John Arnold, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, died Dec. 27, "64. 
Stephen Alexander, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19,'r)5. 
George Bilhevmer, Mar. 28, '62, discharged Mar. 28, '(;5. 
John T. Bell,'^Oct. 13, '63, discharged D^c. 13, '65. 
Abraham Barkley, Sept. 23, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '()5. 
Andrew Barkley, Sept. 22, '64, drafted, dis Dec. 13, '65. 



374 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Elias Barkley, Sept. 22/64, drafted, dis June 14/65. 

Isaac Barton, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

Joshua Bennett, Sept. 28, '64, drafted, discharged June 14, 
'65, reported also died at Nashville. 

William Bolton, Oct. 19, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Edward Bartleman. Sept. 28, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 

William H. Burgett, Oct. 20, '64, deserted Mar. 28, '65. 

Henry J. Craig, Sept. 25, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Robert L. Carter, Nov. 6, '63, discharged May 18, '65. 

Richard Carman, Oct. 14, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 3, '65. 

Henry Cobbin, Sept. 28, '64, drafted, dis June 14,'65. 

John's. Davis, Nov. 6, '62, died Dec. 15,'62. 

Almond Ducher, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

William W. Davis, Oct. 19, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

James H. Davis, , discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

Andrew J. Foster, Oct. 21, '64, discharged July 21, '65. 

George Gregg, ??, Jan. 2, '62, pro 2d Lt Mar. — ,'65, pro 1st 
Lt May 1,'65, pro Capt June 1,'65, deserted Sept. 5, '65 
dropped from rolls as deserter May, '65. — [vol 3, p 18. 

James G. Grasshopper, Sept. 22, '64, draft, died Mar. 28, '65 

William H. Gray, Oct. 6, '64, deserted Mar. 28, '65. 

Frederick Galliger, Oct. 3, '64, deserted Mar. 28, '65. 

William T. Gilbert, Jan. 21, '62, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Alexander W. Hollett, July 14, '63, 

Eli B. Hodson, Oct. 5,'63, 

William Hard wick, Oct. 6, '63. 

James M. Harrison, Oct. 24, '64, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

John Hvton, Oct. 13,'64, substitute, "^ 

David W. Hamilton, Oct. 6, '64, prom Capt Oct. 29, '64 re- 
signed May 23, '65. 

Noah N. Irwin, Oct. 20, '64, discharged July 19, '65. 

John S. Leonard, Sept. 28, '64, discharged June 14. '65. 

Martin Lord, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

Scott W. Lewis, Nov. 2, '62, died Mar. 3, '63. 

Caleb B. Mendenhall, Jan. 2, '62, died, not reported. 

Henry Morrison, Mar. 10, '64, drowned in a well at Chatta- 
nooga, May 10, '64. 

George W. Mumma, Oct. 20, '64, substitute, dis July 10, '65 

Amos Mast, Sept. 20, '64, drafted, discharged June 14,'65. 

John L. McCammack, Oct. 22,'64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Emery Morrison, Sept. 30, '64, substitute, dis June 13, '65. 

Seth Myers, Sept. 28, '64, drafted, discharged June 14, '65. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 375 

Samuel Norman, Sept. 20/64, drafted, dis June 10, '65. 
James Nenius, Sept. 28'64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Harrison Owens, Oct. 2, '62, dis Apr. 20, '64, wounds. 
Samuel Patterson, Oct. 14, '64, killed Ov'n Hill Dec. 16,'«)4. 
Josephus Rumney, Oct. 6, '64, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
Michael Robbins, July 24, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Patrick Ryan, Oct. 21, '64, deserted Mar. 28.,'65. (shot) 
Richard F. Raney, Oct. 7, '63, dis May 18, '65, wounds. 
Harney Risley, Sept. 28, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Daniel R. Rice, Oct. 26, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
John T. Sielhymer, Aug. 3, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Silas Strange ,'^ Oct. 24, '64, discharged Sept. 13, '65. 
Jacob Sawyer, Sept. 28, '64, draft, " 
Levi H. Sipes, Oct. 22, '64, discharged Aug. 3, '65. 
Alfred Snow, Oct. 21, '64, discharged Oct. 19 '65. 
Richard F. Watts, Feb. 24, '65, deserted Mar. 28, '65. 
John Walker, Oct. 21,'64, 



COMPANY D. 

[Original muster-in, December 14, 1861.] 

Captain. 

Sylvester R. Brown, com'd Oct. 11, '61, resigned Sep. 5, '62 

First Lieutenant. 

Wilber F. Williams, com'd Oct. 11, '61, res Apr. 15, '62. 

Second Lieutenant. 
Leonidas Fox, com'd Oct. 14, '61, resigned Apr. 15, '62, 

Firnt Sergeant. 
Marion T. Anderson, pro 2d Lt Apr. 30, '62, Oapt Dec. 11, 
'62, resigned June 16, '65. 

Sergeants, 
Evan E. Sharp, pro 1st Lt Apr. 30, '62, dis Mar. 24, '65. 
Seth Marsh, v, pro 2d Lt May 1, '65, Capt June 17, '65, dis- 
charged Dec. 13, '65. 
Thomas R. Wetherald, v, pro 1st Lt June 17.'<)5, disch'ged 

Dec. 13, '65. 
■John Curry, discharged June 19, '62, by order. 

Corporals. 
William Curry, discharged June 30, '03, by order. 



376 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Porter A. Crawford, deserted Oct. 1,'62. j 

James D. Rodman, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 4|| 

Henry C. Duncan, died at Greenfield, June 8, '62. 

Richard Kinkle, discharged June 25, '62, by order. 

Charles Nelson, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

John Hook, died at Jefferson ville , Mar. 28, '62. 

George W. McKeihan, discharged Oct. 27, '62, by order. 

Musicians. 
Sebron S. Jones, died at Bardstown , Ky., Jan. 5, '62. 
Asa H. He win, deserted June 3, '62. 

Wagoner. 
Wilson Rittenhouse, died at Murfreesboro, Mar. 26, '63. 

Privates. 
Christopher Alt, died at Nashville, Mar. 20, '62. 
Howard V. Adams, died at Savannah, Tenn., Apr. 14, '62. 
Hiram C. Adams, ;;, pro sergeant, 2d Lt June 17, '6)5, dis- 
charged Dec. 13, '65. 
William C. Adams, pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '(54. 
James Bayles v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Moses Burris, died at Nashville, Nov. 28, '62. 
Taylor M. Burris, discharged June 25, '62, by order. 
Thomas Brown, v, deserted June 19, '65. 
Rufus Basset,*', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John Comraer, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Ebenezer Cross, died at Nashville, Mar. 20, '62. 
Cyrus W. Creviston, discharged Apr. 17/63, disability. 
Samuel D. Case, died at Nashville, Nov. 1,'62. 
Thomas Comar, v, discharged Dec. 13/65. 
John W. Dickson, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Absolom Davis, discharged July 3, '62. 
James Dorman, discharged Dec. 14,'64. 
Isaac East, unaccounted for. 

William Evans, discharged Jan. 25, '62, disability. 
John Ell, deserted Oct. 3, '62. 

James Eads, v, pro 1st Sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Jerry Ferrin, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Grannis, deserted Nov. 19, '61. 
Benjamin Hudson, discharged Aug. 14, '62, disability. 
John Hood, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
John Hamilton, died at Cicero, Ind., never reported. 
David S. Herbst, r, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY T>. ;!77 

.lames Plensley, discharged .)an. l,'!))). 

William C. Hewey, discharged June 2."), '(;•_>. disability. 

Luke Hariban, discharged May 24, '()2. 

Oliver P. Hodges, deserted Mar 7, '02. 

.John W. .lohnson, deserted Mar. 2, '(52. 

Charles W. Lewis, discharged Apr. 29, '().■). 

Francis M. Mingee, discharged, date unknown. 

Charles Pool, died at Bowling Green, Ky.. Dec. 10, ■(52. 

William Peters, r, deserted July 9, '65. 

•lames Poison, discharged May 29, '()."), enl'd marines. 

Wesley Poison, died at Murl'reesboro, -Ian. 'M ,'(>:). 

Henry Powell, deserted Oct. ol,'()2. 

John Rittenhouse, sr., muster-out unknown. 

John Rittenhouse, jr. , /',• discharged Dec. l;'>,'().'). 

Nathaniel Rittenhouse, discharged June 2(S,'(;2. 

Daniel Rittenhouse, discharged -July 24, '(52. 

George Robinson, /', discharged Dec. 1 J), "(>."). 

Jerry Randolph, discharged Jan. (S,'();*), disability. 

•Fesse Stump, v, discharged Dec. 1. '5, '(>."). 

George S lifer, discharged June 2."), "(52. 

•lames F. Snow, died at Xashville, Nov. 1 ,'(52. 

John Terry, deserted Oct. 1 ,'(52. 

Samuel C. Thompson, discharged .luue 2'"), '(52. 

Ral])h L. Thompson, " '' 

.lohn H. Vanvalkenberg, " " 

Flisha Whorton, died at Nashville, Mar. .■),"(5 1. 

Marcus D. L. Weaver, died at Nashville, Apv. 1 4. (52. 

.Joseph M. Westfall, discharged Nov. 7, '(52. 

.Henry Westfall, died at Munfordsville, ^Llr. 9, '(52. 

Henry Winter, r, discharged Dec. K>,'(5."). 

George Windsor, died at Indianapolis, Aug. 20, '(5:!. 

John Yates, discharged June 24, '(54, disability. 

RecriUtH. 
Frederick Armstrong, Sept. 2(5, '(54, draft, dis .lunc 1 .■').'<5.".. 
•laiiies M'. Archibald, Oct. •'),'( 54, discharged July 21 ,'(5.'). 
Haman Allen. Oct. 18, '(54, substitute, dis Oct. i9,"(5.-). 
•James K. Banks, Feb. 1(5, '(54, discharged Sei)t. 9. '(5."). 
Eli Banks, Apr. 10, '(52, discharged Apr. 14, '(5.".. 
Austin G. Beaman, .Jan. 18, '(54, discharged Dec. l:!.'r,.".. 
Simon Black, Oct. Ifi, '(54, sul)stitute, dis Oct. 19, '(5.".. 
Francis Bibler, Sept. 2(5, '(54, discharged .Juue .S,'(5.". 
Ernest I^oach , Oct. :>,'(54. di-afted. discliarged .June (5. "(5."). 



378 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Reuben 1). Barber, Oct. 14, '()4, substitute, dis Oct. 19,'();1. 
William R. Bone, Oct. If), '04, 

Lewis A. Brickley, Oct. 12, '(54, dis May 22, '65, wounds. 
Alfred Burkley, " deserted July 11, '65. 

Martin Y . Buckley, Sept. 26, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
William Bly, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, discharged Aug. 21, '65. 
.John Balzo, " " " Dec. 13,'65. 

William Chandler, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
William W. Christy, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Martin Clinesmith, Oct. 14, '64, substitute, died Apr. 9, '65. 
William W. Cline, Sept. 26, '64, discharged June 6, '65. 
John Chapman, " drafted, dis June 14, '65. 

Solomon Dill, " discharged May 19, '65. 

John H. Duff, Oct. 12, '64, discharged May 29, '65. 
Daniel Davis, Apr. 10, '62, deserted Oct. 20, '62. 
Christian W. Fells, Sept. 22, '64, drafted, dis June 16, '65. 
Francis D. Foster, Oct. 20, '64, substitute, dis Sept. 22, '(55. 
Solomon Funderburg, Sept. 26, '64, discharged July 20, '65. 
James L. Gilpatrick, Apr. 7, '64, discharged May 26, '65. 
John Goodmiller, Sept. 26, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Jacob Goodmiller, " " " 

Frank Galmeyer, , discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Henry Gresh, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
John Gordon, Oct. 12, '64, drafted, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Michael Holland, " discharged July 22, '65. 

Joseph Harrell, Nov. 21, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 21, '65. 
Davis Higgin, Sept. 26, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
John Hardin, " died at Mt. Etna, Apr. 10, '(35. 

Samuel W. Hamrick, " killed at Columbia, Dec. 22,'64. 
John S. Kerbox, Aug. 25, '62, discharged Feb. 12, '66. 
Valentine Kirsh, Oct. 3, '62, drafted, dis July 22, '65. 
Royal Kingsley, Dec. 4, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
George B. Lowrey, Dec. 16, '63, deserted June 17, '65. 
John W. Lyell, Jan. 18, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John Lahr, Oct. 22, '64, substitute, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
Andrew J. McKinley, July 23, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Simon Miller, July 12, '63, drafted, discharged July 21, '65. 
William Maddock's, " 'drafted, died at Nashv, July 3,'65. 
William Norvolt, July 3, '63, drafted, dis Aug. 25, '65. 
George Ormsby, July 19, '63, substitute, dis Oct. 19 ,'65. 
Peter Pressey, Apr. 17, '63, discharged Sept. 8, '65. 
John Parks, Sept. 26, '64, drafted, discharged June 14, '65. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 379 

William S. Pedigo, Oct. 18/64, substituto, (lis Oct. 19, 'G."). 
Alva C. Roach, Aug. r),'(j2, pro 2d Lt Dec. 11, '02, pro 1st 

Lt May 1, '()•"), resigned June 14, '65. 
Jacob Roller, Mar. 31, '64, discharged Dec. lo/G'). 
William H. Redding, Oct. 12, '64, <lied May 14, '6.'). 
Jones Redding, " drafted, dis Aug. 21, '(Jo. 

Ransom Redding, Oct. 12, '64, drafted, dis Sept 15, '65. 
Milton Rodenbaugh, " " "' Oct. 19, '65. 

George W. Schlenker, Mar. 8, '65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John F. Schultz, Sept. 26, '64, drafted, dis June 16,'65. 
Jacob Sheffield, Oct. 10, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 17, '65. 
Frederick Stetzell, Sept. 26, '()4, drafted, dis June 16, '65. 
John W. Shambaugh, " , '' " 

Samuel Straw, Oct. 12, '64, drafted, deserted July 7, '(55. 
Henry J. Smith, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, discharged Oct. 19, '65 
Daniel Stoner, Sept. 26, '64, drafted, dis June 1(),'65. 
Hiram Schoonover, Sept. 12, '64, deserted, bounty-jumpei'. 
Jacob Smith, Oct. 13, '64, " '' 

Wellington Thomas, Sept. 11, "63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Andrew Thorp, Oct. 17, '64, substitute, " 
Warren B. Thorn, Sept. 2(),'64, drafted, dis June 14, '6)5. 
John W. Walker, Apr. 10, '62, discharged Ai)r. 14, '64. 
Conrad Woebbeking, Oct. 31, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
William G. Welch, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Jesse D. W^ilson, Sept. 22, '64, sub, pro corp, dis Oct. 19, '(55 
Andrew Wolf, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, discharged June 14, '65 
Elijah Walters, Sept. 22, '64, " 
Jacob Yeager, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, discharged Aug. 25/65. 



COMPANY E. 

[Original iiiiisttT-in, December 14, ISdl.] 
Captain. 
William Denny, com'd Oct. 11/61, resigned I^'cl). 5/C)2. 
William N. Denny, Feb. 23, '62; entered service as 2d Lt 
Co. G, 14th ind., pro 1st Lt Apr. 24, '(U, pro Cai)tain 
Feb. 6, '62, and transf'd to Co. E, 51st Ind. ; pro Major 
June 30,'63, Lt-Col. Mar. 17, '6)5. Col. June 1 .'(uk dis- 
charged Dec. 13, '65. 

First Lieutenant. 

Daniel Trent, resigned Jan 22, '62. 



380 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

David L. Wright, Feb. l/()2, pro Capt. June 30, '(;3, dis- 
charged Mar. 14, '65. 

Second Lieutenant. 
John A. Welton, com'd Oct. 11, '01, resigned June 20, '04. 

First Sergeant. 
William S. Marshall, pro Adjt Nov. 29, '62, dis Mar. 22, 'Oo. 

Sergeeinti<. 
Samuel W. Dunn, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Henry Gilham, transf'd to 120th Ind. Dec. 25, '63. 
Weston Howard, /', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
David A. Denny, pro 1st Lt June 30, '63, res Aug. 21, '64. 

^ Cejrporal.^. 
James S. Little, discharged Dec. 14, '(54. 
Martin S. Miller, transf'd to V R C Apr. 10, '64. 
William Hogue^ discharged Apr. 27, '63. 
Emanuel Reel, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
William W. Johnson, discharged May 2, '62, by order. 
James Threlkeld, transfd to V R G, no date. 
Arthur Hatfield, deserted Feb. 6, '62. 
William Purcell, discharged Dec. 14, '()4. 

3Iusicianf<. 
John H. McClure, discharged Dec. 14, '(54. 
Martin Phillippe, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

J^rivatc.'<. 
Robert H. Alexander, died at Stevenson, Aug. 2, '62. 
James Ashby, ?', pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Matthias Berry, r, 

William Bycrs, died at Nashville, Dec. 25, '62. 
Daniel B. Boyles, r,, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
William T. Bruce, discharged Feb. 14, '65. 
Henry C. Byers, v, pro 1st Lt May 1,'65, dis Dec. 13,'()5. 
Moses J. Betcher, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Herman Buchthal, v, pro 1st Sergt, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
John Byers, v, died Jan. 14, '65, wounds at Nashville. 
Charles H. Colgrove, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
David Cook, transf'd to V R C Apr. 30, '64. 
George Casey, /', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John L. Chambers, discharged May 9, '64, disability. 
William Chambers, died at Murfreesboro, Mar. 6",'63'. ' 
James H. Crooks, discharged Jan. 3, '62. 
Jaspei' Cooper, r, died Dec. IS, '64, wounds at Nashville. ' ' 



ROSTER OF CO^[l'A^•V i;. oSl 

George W. Donaldson, /', deserted July .'),'<)."). 
David Donaldson, /', discharged Dec. lo, '(>,"). 
Francis M. Ellis, discharged Aug. 2(),'()"2. 
William D. Eeves, discharged Aug. 15,'()2. 
Ei^hraim Foster, v, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 1:5, "C)."). 
Amos Farmer, deserted Oct. 10, '()2. 
Andrew Frederick, discharged Oct. 18, '()2. 
Mansfield Gee, discharged May 21, '02. 
Christopher Godfrey, discharged Feb. 20, 'Ho. 
Augustus Hoag, discharged Nov. 15, '()2. 
AVilliam W. Harper, transferred to V R C. 
Jacob Harvey, /', discharged Dec. lo,'(So. 
Lawson A. Huett, died at hospital, Feb. 27, '(53. 
Jackson Huett, discharged Dec'. 14, '04. 
Ellis House, pro 1st Lt Aug. 22, '()4. Capt. Mai-. 15. 'i;."). dis- 
charged Dec. 13, '65. 
William Justice, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 
Wilson Little, died at Indianapolis, Dec. 21, "01. 
Alfred Little, discharged Dec. 14,'()4. 
William Lamb, '• '' 

William Lankford, " 
Noah P. McClure, " 

Abram McGankry, discharged Sei)t. 1(S,'(>2. 
Levi Moore, died July 4,'()2. 

William H. Martin, ilivd at Lebanon, Ky., Eel). 1(),"()2. 
James H. Norton, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
John Pressey, discharged May 23, '02. 
Joab Peak, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Benjamin Peck, discharged May — ,"02. 
William K. Palmer, discharged Feb.. 0,'O3. 
James M. Peck, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Peter Phillippe, discharged May 25, '02. 
Marion M. Puett, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Columbus Parker, /", "' • "' 

James H. Parker, died at Mooresville, Ala.. Inly 4.C>2. 
James M. Peck, /'. discharged Dec. L3.'()5. 
Jasper Rader, v, " " 

William Reel, /', discharged .June 17. "f^"). 
Alfred B. Racoy, discharged .June l!t,"<)5, 
AVilliam Robbins. discharged Dec. 14, '()4. 
Herod Risley, discharged Xov.O). '(;:). 
William Rowe, discharged Dec. 14. "(iL 



382 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Solomon Stuckey, v, discharged Dec. 13/65. 

Samuel H. Stuckey, v, pro corp, discharged Dec. 13/65. 

Levin Sullivan, deserted Oct. 30, '62. 

Elias Shoemaker, transferred to V R C Apr. 10, '64. 

Thomas F. Smith, discharged Mar. 27, '63. 

Samuel Snapp. died at Bardstown, Jan. 28, '62. 

James Stipes, died at Murfreesboro, Feb. 6, '63. 

William Shelton, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Samuel H. Seltzer, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Alva A. Sowers, died Jan. 1,'65, wounds at Nashville. 

Columbus Sutt, r, discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 

Noah P. Scott, V, pro 2d Lt May 1,'65, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

William H. H. Smith, v, died of wounds at Nashville. 

Rankin Steele, discharged July 18, '62. 

Daniel Smith, died at Nashville Mar. 25, '62. 

William Tapp, died at Munfordsville, Mar. 10, '62. 

Ira G. Thorn, v, died of wounds received at Nashville. 

Solomon Thorn, discharged May 21, '62. 

James H. Welton, v, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Samuel A. Warner, discharged June 19, '(52. 

William H. H. Wilson, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Tilghman Whalen, died at Sullivan, Ind., May 22,'62. 

Jacob R. Wanzer, died at Lebanon, Ky., Mar. 24, '62. 

Joseph Zerr, v, died at Nashville, May 11, '65. 

JRecruits. 
Jacob Ahr, drafted, Sept. 22, '64, discharged June 14, '65. 
William M. Buck, Aug. 21, '(52, deserted, date unknown. 
Abraham Brunemer, Oct. 16, '64, died Dec. 29, '64. 
Jefferson Baughman, Dec. 21, '64, discharged June 14, '65. 
John V. Bishop, Oct. 15 ,'64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Joseph H. Christy, Oct. 18, '(M, 
Alvin H. Clifford, Oct. 19,'64, 

George Crouse, Oct. 17, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Charles Casey, Oct. 21, '63, " " 

Andrew J. Cooper, Apr. 9, '64, " " 

Joseph Crabb, Nov. 30, '(54, 
Washington Crabb, " " " 

John Davenport, Sept. 21, '64, substitute, dis June 14, '65. 
Harvey N. Denny, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, 
Daniel Diel, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, died Dec. 18, '(54. 
John Diel, " " discharged June 14, '65. 

AVilliam M. Diel, " " ' " 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 383 

Daniel Diel, Sept. 21 ,'(54, drafted, discharged Juno 14, '05. 
Jacob Diel, " " " 

Christy Doleii, Oct. 28, '(U, deserted, bounty-jumper. 
James Eagan, Apr. 9, '64, discharged Dec. i3,'6r). 
Edward Frazier, June 20, '63, unaccounted for. 
Washington Fairhurst, Oct. 17, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Patrick Glanzy, Oct. 28, '64, deserted, bounty-jumper. 
John W. Harvey, Oct. 17, '63, pro corporal, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
George Halleck, June 20, '63, dishon. dismissed Dec. 13, '65 
James E. Hunnycut, Oct. 17, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Willis Hodge, Jan. 1,'64, deserted July 3, '65. 
Martin V. Helton, Nov. 21, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Charles W. Ingersoll, Mar. 3, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Josiah Kierlin, Oct. 10, '64, substitute, died Dec. 16, '64. 
Alfred C. Kidwell, Oct. 23, '63, discharged Apr.— ,'65, 
William Lincoln, Oct. 15, '64 substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Joseph Myers, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Ezra Poling, Oct. 15, '64, subst, transf'd Y R C May 2,'65. 
Andrew Poling, " " discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

John A. Polum, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Peter Phillippi, Aug. 27, '62, discharged May 25, '65. 
Job Riddle, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, discharged June 14, '65. 
Samuel F. Rork, Nov. 30, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Patrick Riley, Oct. 24, '64, deserted, bounty-jumper. 
Martin V. Small, Oct. 17, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
George Swisher, Oct. 8, '64, substitute, dis Dec. 13/65. 
George Sickling, Sept. 21, '64, substitute, dis June 14, '65. 
William Saladay, 

John H. Taylor, Oct. 17, '63, pro Prin Mus, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Samuel F. Terrell, Sept. 22, '64, dis May 31, '65, wounds. 
William B. Vestal, " drafted ,"^dis June 14, '65. 

William H. Watts, Oct. 24, '64, discharged Oct. 19,'65. 
James H. Wallace, Feb. 12, '64, discharged Jan. 13, '66. 
James L. Whitson, Oct. 14, '64, substitute, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Timothy Whitmore, Oct. 15, '64, died Jan. 1/65, wounds. 
Michael Welch, Oct. 24,'64, deserted, bounty-jumper. 
James Waugh, Mar. 24,'64, discharged Dec. 15, '(55. 
Van S. Waugh, " " 

Clinton Wallace, 
Green Wallace, 
Henry York, Oct. 18. '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '6)5. 



384 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

COMPANY F. 

[Original muster-in, December 14, 1801.] 

Captain. 

James E. McGuire, com'd Oct. ll/r.T, resigned Oct. 24/62. 

Fimt Lieutenant . 

John M. Flinn, com'd Oct. ll,'t)l, pro Capt Oct. 25/62, dis- ^ 
charged Dec. 14,'64. ^ 

Second Lieutrnant. 

Joel A. Dehano. com'd Oct. 11, '(H, pro 1st Lt Oct. 25, '62, 
Capt Dec. 15, '64, Major Oct. r,()5, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

First Sergeant. 
Gideon T. Hand, pro 2d Lt Oct. 25. "62, dis Mar. 15, '65. 

Sergeanti^. 
Robert Montgomery, \\ discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Thomas J. Morgan, discharged Dec. 14/64. 
John A. McLaughlin, \\ discharged May 8, '65, wounds. 
Leonidas Smith, pro 2d Lt Apr. 7, '65, 1st Lt Apr. 10, '65, 
Capt Oct. 1,'65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

CorporaU. 
Andrew J. Pyle, discharged Sep. 23, '63, wounds Dry's Gap. 
Benjamin F. Payne, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
John M. Gatewood, died at Nashville Mar. 29, '62. 
James Hendricks, deserted Oct. 7, '62. 
James McCarty, deserted June 2, '62. 
Ethan A. Kendall, killed at Day's Gap, Apr. 30, '63. 
Thomas C. Walton, r. pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Joel Gatewood, /', pro sergeant, 2d Lt Oct. 1/65, discharged 
Dec. 13, '()5. 

Mamilans. 

Job A. Howland, discharged Oct. 14, '62, disability. 
Elijah Henby, died at Nashvilk, May 2, '62. 

Wagoner. 
Jackson McGrew, discharged Nov. 17,'<)2, disability. 

Privates. 
Joseph H. Allen, deserted Dec. 15, '61. 
Edward Ayers, /', discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
Henry J. Bowers, r , " 

James K. Bowers, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
John Cassida, " 

Henry W. Camper, r, discharged l)ec. 13, '65. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY P. 385 

George W. Collins, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Joshua S. Crosby, discharged Feb. 10, '05. 

John C. Darmer, v, deserted June 9, '05. 

Joseph Dennis, discharged June 16, '62, by order. 

John AV. Dicks, v, transf'd to 1st U. S. Eng. July 30, '64. 

Martin Dwyre, transferred to V R C May 1,'64. " 

Richard Fosset, v, deserted June 19, '65. 

William A. Gilchrist, discharged May 2, '62, disability. 

William Garland, ;', pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Robert Gatewood, died at Nashville Jan. 28, '63. 

Ellison Gatewood, discharged Mar. 18, '05. 

John Goodrich, discharged June 8, '62, disability. 

John Harry, r, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Silas Henderson, deserted June 2, '62. 

Benjamin Heistand, /', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Hiram Henderson, discharged May 5, '62, disability. 

Nelson Hemphill, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

George Howrie, " 

Willis Hord, died at Pittsburg Landing, Apr. 16, '62. 

John R. Henby, discharged Apr. 25, '()5, wounds. 

Oscar James, deserted Dec. 15, '61. 

Robert D. Kendall, r, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

James B. Kendall, discharged Feb. 28, '62, by order. 

Wesler Kenderling, discharged Mar. 4, '65. 

Lewis Linville, discharged Dec. 4, '65. 

William A. Linville, v, pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

Levi Lock, died at Woodsonville, Ky., Mar. 21, '62. 

Smith Martin, deserted Mar. 13, '(52" 

Fielding J. Miller, died at Bardstown, Jan. 4,'()2. 

Thomas A. Morrison, v, pro 2(1 Lt Apr. 10, '65, 1st Lt Oct. 

1,'65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Moroney, discharged Dec. 14, '(54. 
Robert A. McGuire, deserted Dec. 15, '61. 
John E. McConnell, died at Nicholasville, Ky., Mar. 27, '02 
Samuel A. McKenzie, discharged Feb. 12,'()2, by order. 
Edward Newman, discharged July 23, '02. 
William A. Overman, died at Louisville, Ky., Dec. 21,'(;i. 
John M. Overman, deserted Dec. 15, '01. 
Gideon Palmer, discharged June 1(),'()2. 
James Palmer, died at Bardstown, Jan. 5,'()2. 
Washington Parker, died at Day's Gap, May 3, '03. 
Rufus Perrv, transferred to V R C May 31, '04. 
25 



386 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Andrew J. Plank, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Anderson Rlioads, v, deserted June 19/65. 

Lewis Rlioads, transferred to V R C Jan. 14/64. 

Robert Rains, died at Camp Morton, Ky., Jan. 11, '62. 

Adam Sliryock, discharged May 22, '62, by order. 

John Sliryock, died at Indianapolis, Dec. 29, '61. 

William t. Smith, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

George J. Smith, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

William E. Stafford, unaccounted for. (?) 

John Stevens, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

George Steele, deserted Dec. 15, '61. 

John Simpson, " " 

James Todd, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Washington Turner, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

George F, Walker, discharged May 15, '62, by order. 

James Whitcomb, v, deserted June 19, '65. 

Isaac Winton, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John Yager, r, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Hecruifs. 
William Armstrong, Mar. 1,'62, discharged Mar. 1,'65. 
Alexander B. Blytlie, Dec. 12, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Horace G. Bates, Dec. 18, '63, 
John Baugh, Aug. 27, '62, 

Samuel C. Bird well, Oct. 1,'64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65! 
John C. Campett, Aug. 28, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Matthew A. Cherry, Sept. 10, '62, discharged June4,'65. 
James K. Campett, > " " 

James M. Conaway, Sept. 24, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Peter E. dinger, Sept. 18, '63, discharged June 25, '65. 
William H. Copp, Oct. 23, '62, died Shelby ville Apr. 14, '64 
Benjamin A. Dennis, Sept. 4, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Morgan Gaylor, Oct. 21, '64 discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
James T. Gatewood Aug. 1,'63 discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Hendrickson Sept. 24, '63 " " 

James E. Harrison, Apr. 12, '(54, " " 

George W. Holbrook, Dec. 23, '61, killed Murf'b, Dec. 29,'62 
Thomas B. Hendrickson, Sept. 10, '62, substitute, pro cor- 
poral, discharged June 14, '65. 
William Hutchinson, Dec. 24, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Samuel Hawley, Oct. 21, '64, drafted, dis July 11, '65. 
John W. Hutchinson, " " discharged July 6, '65. 

Elijah B. Hester. Oct. 23, '62, died at Murf'boro Feb. 4, '63. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 887 

Silas Hill, Oct. 15, '64, drafted, deserted June 15, '()5. 
Hiram F. Justice, Sept. 5, '(53, pro cor[)oral, dis Dec. 18, '()5. 
William C. Johnson, Dec. 14, 'OS, discharged Dec. 18, '()5. 
Benjamin F. Jones, Sept. "24, '(U, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Daniel C. Jameson, Oct. 21, '64, drafted, transferred to V 

RC May 24, '65. 
Elijah S. Knight, Aug. 1S,'()8, discharged Dec. 18, '65. 
William Kines, Sept. 10, '(58, discharged May 29, '65. 
Samuel Knoble, Oct. 21, '64, drafted, dis May 26, '65. 
Amos Kimball, Sept. 24, '64, substitute, dis Aug. 4, '65. 
James M. Linville, Sept. 10, '62, discharged June 14, '65. 
Valentine Langhnet, Sept. 24, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '(55. 
William Langhnet, Oct. 21, '(54, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '(55. 
David Linville, Oct. 28, '62, transf'd to V R C Apr. 10, '64. 
Matthew B. Leonard, Sept. 7, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Sylvester L. Monronea, Aug. 24, '68, " 

Neal McClain, Aug. 27, '(52, 

David C. McCowan, Oct. 20,'64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '(55. 
James Noland, Sept. 24, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Samuel Phipps, Sept. 24, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Joseph V. Post, Sept. 10, '63, pro corporal, dis Oct. 13, '65. 
James L. Phares, Sept. 10, '62, discharged June 14, '65. 
Robert T. Phares, " " 

James Pyle " '' 

Enoch Rhoads, Oct. 23, '62, killed Crooked Cr., Apr. 80, '63. 
John L. Rhoads, Oct. 6, '62, discharged Oct. 3, '65. 
John L. Rodky, Oct. 7, '64, substitute, dis May 26, '65. 
George Rader, Oct. 21, '64, drafted, discharged June 26, '65. 
Thomas Ruse, Sept. 24, '64, drafted, discharged Aug. 14, '65. 
Matthew B. Ross, Jan. 28, '62, deserted Aug. 9, '(52. 
Henry E. Ross, Mar. 8, '64, deserted Aug. 10, '(54. 
George W. Stafford, Dec. 10, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '(i5. 
Charles Shoemaker, Dec. 9, '68, " 

Loona L. Sally, Sept. 4, '63, 

Isaac H. Storms, Sept. 24, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14,'(55. 
Abraham Skidmore, " '' 

Francis B. Sims, 
Zachariah Scott, " 

James Stanley, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '(55. 
Charles C. Sellers, Oct. 21, '64, drafted, 
William Storms, " " died at Jeirersonville 

Dec. 17, '64. 



I 



388 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Levi Todd, Sep. 4/63, killed at Dalton, Aug. 17, '()4. 

Andrew J. Treon, Dec. 9/63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Anderson Talbert, Sept. 4, '63. 

Isaac 0. Taylor, Sept. 24/64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 

William L. Taylor 

Joseph A. Talbert, Sep. 4, '63, died San Antonio, Sep. 30, '65 

George Walker, Oct. 23/64, killed at Nashville Dec. 16, '64. 

William T. Wicker, Sept. 10, '63, discharged June 14,'65. 

James N. Winton, Sep. 18, '63, died at Nashv. Apr. 20/64. 

Greenup Weekly, Nov. 4, '(52, deserted June 15, '()5. 

James W. Zike,'Sept. 10, '62, died at Nashville Dec. 19,'62. 



COMPANY G. 

[Original muster-in, December 4, 1861.] 
Captain. 
Francis M. Constant, com'd Oct. 11, '61, res Mar. 25, '65. 

Flrfit Lirutenant. 
Joseph Y. Ballon, com'd Oct. 11, '61, resigned Feb. 19, '63. 

Second Lieutenant. 
William Wallick, com'd Oct. 11/61, pro Capt June 30, '63, 
discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

First Sergeant. 
Abraham G. Murray, pro 1st Lt June 30, '63, discharged 
Jan. 25, '65. 

Sergeants. 

Elisha Buck, transferred to Engineers July 24, '64. 
Charles B. Mason, died at Bowling Green Mar. 15, '62. 
Jasper N. Brown, pro 2d Lt June 30, '63, res Nov. 11, '64. 
William Crooks, died at Nashville Sept. 18, '62. 

Corporals. 

Thomas B. Crooks, />, pro 1st Sergt, discharged Dec. 13, '65 
William O. Piper, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Francis M. Brown, /-, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Caleb Boggs, discharged Sept. 20/62. 

Louis P. Holman, v, pro 2d Lt May l',65, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Josiah Metsker, discharged July 28, '65. 
Aaron M. Hurtt, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Musicians. 

Allen S. Hurtt, v, transferred to 1st U S Eng Aug. 8/64. 
John Burgess, deserted Feb. 1,'63. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY (1. 389 

Wagoner. 
Samuel Jackson, deserted Dec. 21, '63. 

Privatefi. 
Robert Baker, died at Stanford, Ky., Feb. 19, '(52. 
Luman B. Black, discharged Dec. 14, '(54. 
Thomas Booher, deserted Mar. 27/62. 
William Bolles, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
William S. Bolles, v, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
Thomas R. Bolles, r, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
William H. Bolinbaugh, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Philander Boner, discharged Feb. 19, '63, disability. 
Michael Bowas, discharged July 18, '63. 
Joseph Brown, v, missing in action Nashville, Dec. 16, '64. 
William C. Bryant, v, pro Q M Feb. 20, '65, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Alden W. Bryant, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Lawrence P. Campbell, discharged Feb. 6, '63, disability. 
Avery B. Charpie, v, pro 2d Lt Nov. 23,'64, Capt Dec. 15, 

'64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John Charles, discharged Dec. 14,'64. 
John Chitester, discharged Feb. 29/64, disability. 
Ira S. Chitester, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13. '65. 
John AV. Coan, died at Munfordsville Mar. 10/(52. 
Moses Clingensmith, discharged June 22, '62, disability. 
Hamilton Crouthers, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Andrew J. Curtis, discharged Mar. 21, '63, wounds. 
Wilson Deniston, deserted Apr. 25, '62. 
Daniel Diebert, v, transferred to 1st U S Eng July 24, '(54. 
Francis M. Doles, r, discharged Dec. 13/65. 
Alexander Duncan, discharged Aug. 7, '62, disability. 
William M. Dunnuck, discharged June 28, '62, disability. 
Charles Dyer, died at Lebanon, Ky., Feb. 19, '(52. 
Thomas Ewing, died at Nashville Mar. 30, '62. 
Thomas Faley, v, died at Bowling Green Sept. 17, '62. 
Jonas Foss, discharged June 22/62, disability. 
Sebastian Ferguson, v, deserted June 19/(55. 
John Gale, transferred to V R C Apr. 30, '64. 
Jacob Glaze, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Hamlin, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Charles W. Harper, discharged Feb. 27, '(53, disal)ility. 
William S. Harris, discharged June 21, '62, disability. 
Nelson Harvey, deserted June 2, '(52. 
David Holmes, deserted Nov. 1,'(51. (?) 



390 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

John Holt, discharged Jan. 9, '63, disabilit}^. 

Charles L., Hoover, discharged Jan. 22, '(52, disability. 

Edward Hinds, deserted Aug. 1,'63. 

Joshua Jackson, died at Munfordsville, no date. 

Martin A^. B. James, died at Peru, Aug. 15, '03. 

Francis Kannay, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John J. Kennedy, discharged Jan. 2, '62, disability. 

John Kiles, v, transferred to U S Eng July 24, '65. 

Theodore Kuhns, discharged June 27, '63, disability. 

John H. Larue, discharged Dec. 10, '63, disability. 

Thomas 8. Lay, died at Nashville, Oct. 7, '62. 

William H. Lavett, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Oscar F. Loomis, deserted Oct. 1,'62. 

Cornelius Lucey, died Sept. 22, '62. 

John Malone, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Conrad Metsker, discharged Dec. 14/64. 

John H. Miller, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Francis M. Moody, /', 

Michael Oliver, discharged Apr. 1,'62, disability. 

Francis M. Piper, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Benjamin F. Petticrew, " 

George Pomeroy, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Jeremiah Richeson, /', " 

Henry C. Richeson, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Thomas Roberts, " 

Frederick Rupley, " 

Eli Shortridge, discharged Aug. 9, '62, disability. 

Nathan W. Scott, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Walter M. Still, deserted Feb. 10, '62. 

Perry Slagie, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Andrew J. Trimble, deserted Feb. 10, '62. 

James N. M. Tuttle, deserted Mar. 10, '62. 

William F. Tudor, discharged Dec. 14,'64. 

Joseph Walker, discharged Aug. 5, '62, disability. 

Alexander Ward, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

George W. Whiteside, /', pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

Daniel Wortemberger, died at Bardstown, no date. 

John C. Young, v, pvo 2d Lt Feb. 6, '65, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

HecruifK. 
Charles W. Ashley, Feb. 24,'64, discharged Oct. 31, '65. 
James M. Blystone, Oct. 13, '64, drafted, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Josephus Blystone, Aug. 21, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY (i. ' 391 

George W. Burro way, Sept. 30, '(34, discharged June 14, 'Oo 
Daniel F. Beckdal, Feb. 24, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
.John Combs, Aug. 1,'()3, deserted Dec. 21, '03. 
Alva Copper, Oct. 0,'()3, pro corporal, dis Dec. 13,'or). 
David B. Carter, Feb. 12, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Nathaniel R. Carter " 
Joseph A. Cowdry, Mar. 9, '04, 

William H. Downs, Oct. 7, '64, sub, trans V R C May 1,'()5. 
Henry J. Dunkelberger, Oct. 8, '(54, subst, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Alfred Edwards, Feb. 12, '64, discharged Dec. 15, '65. 
John C. Fremont, Oct. 14, '64, substitute dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Thomas Gorliam, Sept. 20, '64, substitute, dis June 17, '65. 
George Gardner, Aug. 25, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Thomas J. Griffith, Dec. 30,'63, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
John S. Hitchcock, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 15, '65. 
Elmore J. Harry, Oct. 18, '64, substitute, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Jesse D. G. Hasler, Oct. 8, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
George W. Heisler, Apr. 15, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Noah N. Isam, Oct. 20, '64, substitute, dis June (),'65. 
Jacob L. Kirkendall, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Logan Kell, Oct. 18, '64, substitute, discharged Oct.. 19, '65. 
Isaac Kelly, Oct. 26,'64, 

Henry H. Leavell, Sept. 7,'()3, discharged Dec. 13,"()5. 
Stephen C. Leavell, Oct. 1,'63, 

William Lang, Oct. 16, '63, pro corporal, dis Dec. 1,'65. 
Andrew Murphy, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 16, '(")5. 
Smith F. McKey, Sept. 13, '64, drafted, dis June 25, '65. 
John F. Michael, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Nelson Michael, Oct. 13,'64, drafted, died May 25, '65. 
John W. Miller, Oct. 21 ,'64, substitute, dis Oct. 19,'65. 
Robert F. McClain, Sept. 29, '64, substitute, dis June 17, '65 
Cornelius H. Martin, Mar. 9, '64, transf to Co. A, 86ih Ind., 

transferred to V R C, discharged Nov. 11, '()5. 
Charles Purdy, Sept. 20, '64, substitute, dis June 17. '65. 
Richard Roberts, Oct. 14, '64, substitute, dis June 10, '65. 
Jacob Simmons, Apr. 25, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
George Sullivan, Sept. 3, '63, died at Peru July 19,'<)4. 
Alonzo B. Shaw, Oct. 20, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Marion Smarl, Oct. 14, '64, 

George W. Songer, " "■ dis .\ug. I, '(')•". . 

John W. Skidmore, Aug. 6, '(53, desertc.l .luiic l'i."i;.".. 
Peter F. Thatcher, Sept. 21, '(34, discharged Aug. 11. '('.5. 



392 ' FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

John T. Taylor, Oct. 15, '(M, discharged June 5, '65. 
Squire Taylor, Oct. 0,'<)4, substitute, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Seabury Thorpe, Oct. 14, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Winfield S. Tipton, Jan. 1,'63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
William Westeffer, Oct. 6, '63, pro corporal, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
George W. Woodruff, Sept. 21 ,'64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Francis H. Walls, Oct 17, '64, dis Feb. 28, '65, disability. 
John Walker, Oct. 12, '64, substitute, dis Sept. 7, '65. 



COMPANY H. 

[Original muster-in, December 14, 1861.] 
Captain. 
Clark Willis, com'd Oct. 11, '61, pro Major June 17, '62, re- 
signed Mar. 17, '63. 

First Lieutenant. 

Thomas F. Chambers, com'd Oct. 11, '61, pro Capt June 17, 
'62, resigned Mar. 16, '63. 

Second Lieutenant. 
James W. Haley, com'd Oct. 11, '61 , pro 1st Lt June 17, '62, 
pro Capt Co. I, Dec. 31, '62, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
First Sergeant. 

Alfred Gude, pro 2d Lt June 17,'()2, 1st Lt Jan. 1,'63, Capt 
May 18, '63, discharged Mar. 31, '65. 

Sergeants, 
Hiram Mallory, pro 2d Lt May 18, '63, dis Jan. 25, '65. 
Samuel J. Baird, unaccounted for. 
William Willis, pro 2d Lt Jan. 1,'63, 1st Lt May 18, '63, 

discharged Feb. 5, '65, Circ. 75. 
James Dunn, discharged July 3, '62. 

Corporals. 
Emory H. Stuckey, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
William Roberts, v, pro 1st Sergt, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John E. Pickett, discharged May 23, '62, by order. 
Joseph A. Bruce, discharged Nov. 10, '62, by order. 
William H. Dunn, r, pro 1st Lt May 1,'65, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
John W. Manning, v, pro 2d Lt " " 

James M. Falls, died of wounds Dec. 16, '64. 
Samuel H. Dunn, discharged Dec. 14, '64, by order. 

Musicians. 

Frederick A. Stuckey, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 393 

John T. Simpson, /-, ])ro Cora Sergt, clis Dec. 13/05. 

Wagoner. 
Samnel P. Ruble, discharged Dec. 14, '()4. 

PHvafen. 
James R. Alexander, discharged Oct. 2, '62, disability. 
William F. Atkins, i\ discharged Dec. 13/05. 
William W. Bruce, killed at Nashville, Dec. 10,'04. 
Elliott Bruce, discharged July 14, '03, by order. 
George W. Bruce, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Alexander C. Bowen, v, pro corporal, dis Dec. 13, '05. 
George W. Burris, v, transferred to U S Eng. 
Leander Bond, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 
Thomas Chambers, deserted Oct. 1,'02. 
John S. Cox, r, discharged June 7, '65. 
Peter Collop, transferred to V R C. 
Austin P. Cox, discharged Mar. 18, '03, by order. 
Andrew Cook, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Charles Chambers, discharged Dec. 14, '04. 
Harvey J. Cox, " 

William I. Dunning, " 

George W. Debord, discharged May 1(5, '(53, by order. 
Spear S. Dunning, v, discharged June 14, '05. 
John Donaldson, died at Paducah, June 1,'G3. 
Joseph Dillinger, died at Stanford, Ky., Feb. 20. '(52. 
John R. Edmonds, discharged Dec. 14,'64. 
George W. Frederick, died at Lebanon, Ky., Mar. 14, '02. 
William Frederick, died at Bowling Green, Mar. 11, '02. 
Samuel Foreman, died at Bardstown, Jan. 11, '(52. 
James W. Farris, r, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
George Frederick, transf. to V R C, died at Lebanon, Ky. 
William S. Getty, died at Evansville. 
John Getty, discharged, no date. 

Thomas J. Hollingsworth , discharged June 1 ,'(52, l\v order. 
Perry Hollingsworth, killed at Nashville, Dec. 25, '(52. 
Thompson Hollingsworth, /', discharged Dec. 13, '(55. 
Albert Hollingsworth, discharged Dec. 31, '64. 
Milton Hollingsworth, v, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
William C. Harbin, died at Bardstown, Dec. 29, '(51. 
John B. Houck, r, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Franklin Jen-el, died at Nashville, Jan. 21, '()■'). 
William G. Keith, /', discharged May 21, '05. 
John L. Keith, r, pro cori)oral. died Dec. 30. '01. wounds. 



394 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Thomas N. Keith, died at Nashville Jan. 24/63. 

Frederick Kixmiller, died at Murfreesboro Apr. 6, '63. 

Stephen J, Leas, discharged Dec. 14/64. 

Christopher B. Long, unaccounted for. 

Henry M. Luking, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13/65. 

Edward Limen, discharged Dec. 14/64. 

John H. Malcolm, discharged July 13/62, by order. 

Daniel McKea, died at Nashville, Jan. 27, '63. 

Eli Myers, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

William P. McClure, v, pro 1st Lt Feb. 10, '65, Capt May 

1/65, discharged Dec. 13/65. 
Charles W. McClure, r, pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
William H. H. McCormick, died at home. 
George W. McKinley, v, pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Thomas H. Paddock, v, discharged June 14, '65. 
Alexander Palmer, died at Bowling Green, Ky. 
Henry F. Piper, v, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Michael A. C. Robertson, v, discharged May 22, '65. 
Thomas B. Robertson, died at Murfreesboro Apr. 17, '63. 
Martin I. Ruble, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
William E. StefFey, 

George W. Scrogin, v, died, Nashville Dec. 21, '64, wounds. 
Joseph H. Scrogin, discharged Dec. 10, '62. 
James A. Sanders, died at Corinth, Miss. 
John W. Setzer, unaccounted for. 
James H. Shouse, v, discharged May 22, '65, wounds. 
William Simpson, discharged July 13, '62, by order. 
Frederick A. Smith, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65 
James H. Stephenson, /' " " 

Harrison Scrogin, died at Nashville. 

Henry M. Thompson, died at Murfreesboro, Feb. 25, '63. 
Benjamin E. Thorn, died Dec. 21, '62. 
Frederick Tellsman, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Elijah G. Teague, v, " 

John B. Vincent, v, " 

James Vankirk, died at Louisville Nov. 11, '62. 
William 0. Ward, discharged May 20, '62, disability. 
William S. Woodsworth, v, drowned, Nashville May 22, '65. 
Miranda Westfall, died in Knox Co. 
Clark I. Willis, v, discharged Jan. 20, '65, disability. 
John W. Wilson, discharged Feb. 24,'65. 
William H. Williams, discharged Nov. 10, '64. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 395 

Recruits. 
Thomas Alexander, Jan. 23, '63, died, Chatt'ga, May5,'(>4. 
Levi H. Booker, Aug. 15, '62, discharged Juno 14, '65. 
Hamilton G. Bond, Aug. 5, '63, " 

David M. Bruce, Mar. 12, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John D. Beaver, Oct. 18, '64, substitute, dis Nov. 10, '65. 
Robert S. Brown Mar. 9, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Jacob Bugh, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, discharged May — .'65. 
Garver M. Brown, Jan. 4, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Richard Burgess, Oct. 20, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Alexander Bolds, Sept. 22, '(U, drafted, dis Ma}^ 13, '65. 
Giles Borden, Apr. 19, '64, discharged Dec. 13,'65. 
Levi Bowman, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
Landis Boyer, Mar. 24, '64, discliarged Dec. 13, '65. 
James W. Cable, Aug. 21, '62, discharged Sept. !,'().'). 
David R. Chambers, Apr. 9, '64, discliarged Dec. 13, '65. 
George W. Craigmill, Oct. 30,'64, substitute, dis Dec. 13, '()5 
Joseph Creek, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, discharged Nov. 19, '()5. 
Oliver P. Dunn, June 23, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Theodore Deafenbaugh, Sept. 22, '64, died Louisv. Jan. 1,'65 
John B. Farris, Apr. 9, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John F. Grizzle, Aug. 15, '62, discharged June 14/65. 
Bernard Hollingsworth, Jan. 5, '62, v, killed Dec. 16, '64. 
William H. Hageman, Apr. 8, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John Haget, Aug 15, '62, died at Camp Chase May 26, '63. 
William Hall, Oct. 16, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Daniel Heller, Sept. 22, '64, dis May 24, '65, wounds. 
William H. Harris, Oct. 19, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 13, '(55. 
Madison Heaton, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
James Hancock, Oct. 24, '64, substitute, " 

Jonas Ikes, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
John G. King, Sept. 20, '(54, drafted, dis June 14, '()5. 
Daniel E. Maddocks, Oct. 17, '64, substitute, dis Oct. IV), '6)5 
Handsbury Murphy, Apr. 9, '64, discharged Dec. 13,'()5. 
Daniel T. Myers, Oct. 18, '64, subst, died Nashv. .Ian. 19, '65 
John A. G. Miller, Oct. 10, '(H, drafted, dis June 3, '65. 
Madison McBroom, Oct. 14, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '()5. 
Christopher C. McRea, Aug. 21 ,'62, discharged Feb. 24. ■(;3 
William Miller, Aug. 21, '62, died at Murf'boro Feb. 1,'()3. 
Elliott H. Pearce, Aug. 15, '62, discharged Apr. 26, '63. 
Horace S. Polk, " , discharged June 14,'65. 

Daniel Pontius, Oct. 7, '64, drafted, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 



396 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

William T. Richardson, Apr. 9, '64, pro corp, dis Dec. 13, '65 
Samuel A. Risley, Aug. 21, '62, died Murf'boro, Mar. 5, '65. 
Thomas P. Ruble, Apr. 9, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James Rodgers, Oct. 19, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
John C. Roberts, Oct. 10,'64, drafted, dis May 27,'65. 
Joshua H. Stuckey, Sept. 16, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James A. Shrock, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, dis June 2, '65. 
John B. Sandall, " '' dis Oct. 19, '65. 

Allen Sacra, Oct. 14, '64, discharged June 20, '65, disability. 
Joseph Shoemaker, Oct. 18, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19/65. 
Alva Townsend, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, deserted Aug. 17, '65. 
Aaron Wolverton, Aug. 7, '62, discharged June 14, '65. 
James Watson, Oct. 16, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
William Walton, Oct. 18,'64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
James Whitehead, Nov. i,'64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Matthias Yoos, Sept. 22, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 



COMPANY I. 

[Original mnster-in, Deceniber 8, 1861.] 

Captain. 

Marquis L. Johnson, com'd Oct. 11, '61, resigned Aug. 13, '62 

First Lierttenant. 

James S. Reeves, com'd Oct. 11, '61, resigned Dec. 8, '62. 

Seeond Lieutenant. 
John Bowman, com'd Oct. 11, '61, resigned Feb. 13, '63. 

Flrnt Sergeant. 
James W. Barlow, pro 2d Lt Feb. 14, '63, Capt May 1,'65, 
discharged prisoner of war. 

Sergeants. 
Frederick J. Brownell, pro 1st Lt Dec. 31, '62, discharged 

Mar. 31, '65. 
Arthur W. Sargent, discharged, no date. 
Ephraim Donavan, discharged June 30, '62. 
George W. McCauley, v, pro 1st Lt May 1,'65, Gapt.July 1, 
'65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Corporals. 
Henry B. McCauley, dis Apr. 29, '63, wounds at Day's Gap. 
Marquis D. Losey, unaccounted for. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 397 

William R. Barlow, discharged Oct. 25/62. 

Joseph S. King, discharged Oct. 21, '02. 

Joseph E. Campbell, v, pro sergeant, dis Dec. l-S, '()."). 

George Snyder, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Martin V. Williams, v, pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

Lewis R. Burr, died at Louisville, Jan. 7, '62. 

Musician. 
Francis 0. Williams, died at Lebanon, Ky., Feb. 6, '62. 

Wagoner. 
William D. Parker, ?', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Jh'irafe.^. 
Leander Z. Burr, discharged Dec. 14,'64. 
William T. Barlow, v, pro sergeant, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Samuel Barrow, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
George W. Boring, died Mar. 12, '62. 
James Berry, deserted Oct. 4, '62, ret, dis June 14, '63. 
Aaron Creviston, died at Nashville, Mar. 26, '62. 
James Chambers, v, died at New Orleans, July 14, '65. 
Thomas Coffee, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John Cartmill, discharged , disability. 

George W. Copple, discharged Dec. 29, '64, disability. 

Richard Carpenter, *', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Jonathan P. Curtis, deserted Jan. 2, '62. 

Henry H. Doolittle, /', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Charles Davice, discharged Feb. 10, '65. 

Samuel Doyle, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Albert Ellington, died at Bardstown, Dec. 28, '61. 

Edward Fogarty, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

William H. Fair, discharged Dec. 10, '62, by order. 

George W. Farris, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

William F. Fry, v, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 15, '65. 

Harrison Graves, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '(>5. 

Joseph A. German, discharged -Inly 8, '62. 

Charles E. German, died at Bardstown, Dec. 29, '61. 

John H. Griffis, discharged Dec. 14, "64. 

Dennis Garrity, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Charles Gott, r, 

Charles Holden, died at Stanford, Ky., Feb. 1,'(;2. 

Thomas Harrison, discharged Jan. 1,'63, disal)ility. 

S. Hyner, died July 27, '62, disease. 

Rine Houzlot, deserted Sept. 15, '63. 



398 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Enoch Hines, died at Nashville, July 27/62. 

Albert S. Hartley, v, pro 1st Sergt, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John W. Hamilton, died, Greenwood, '62, unaccounted for. 

Benjamin Johnson, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Jeremiah Johnson, deserted. 

John J. Jeter, transferred to V R C 

John Jarvis, died at Huntsville, July 2, '62. 

Joseph Jarrett, died at Nashville, Dec. 7, '62. 

Benjamin Jones, discharged Feb. 28, '63, disability. 

Jacob B. Kitchen, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John Kitchen, r , " " 

Joseph Lowe, discharged Jan. 3, '62, disability. 

Henry B. Lipscomb, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Eli L. Marsrush, unaccounted for. 

James M. Manners, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

George Martin, v, pro corporal, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Benjamin Martin, discharged June 9, '63. 

James Martin, discharged June 27, '62. 

Ezekiel McGurdy, died at Indianapolis, Dec. 18, '61. 

George W. Moore, v, deserted June 29, '65. 

Charles F. Mount, discharged Mar. — ,'63. 

James McCoarte, dis SejDt. 9, '63, wounds at Day's Gap. 

Thomas J. Prescott, deserted '62. 

John W. Phillips, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Martin Philpot, died Jan. 18, '62. 

Nathan Riley, transf'd to Inv Corps, wounds Nov. 1,'63. 

John W. Rumrill, deserted Apr. 1,'63. 

Andrew Roach, died Feb. 22, '63, wounds at Stone River. 

Ira Roach, v, deserted Apr. 3, '64. 

Samuel Smith, died at BardstOAvn, Feb. 4, '62. 

Isaac Simpson, discharged July 18, '62, disability. 

Abraham Simpson, discharged July 11, '62. 

Ransom Smith, i\ discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Henry Simpson, died June 19, '62. 

Benjamin Simpson, v, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John R. Trimble, v, pro sergeant, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

John Tibbit, v, unaccounted for. 

Lewis P. Taylor, died at Bardstown, June 15, '62. 

Leroy Wagner, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Henry Willis, deserted Oct. 16, '63, dis by order War Dep. 

Allen Warren, died at Stanford, Ky., Feb. 21, '62. 

James Wallace, discharged Feb. 8, '63, disability. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 399 

George Youngman, died at Bardstown, June 4, '62. 

Eecruit^. 
James Aldridge, Sep. (),'C)2, killed at Stone Riv, Dec. 31/02. 
William H. Arnold, Sept. 1,'()3. discharged Dec. 13/65. 
Mahlon E. Blackford, Sept. 17, '63, discharged May 30, '(55. 
Isaac Boring, Apr. 9, '64, discharged Dec. 13/65. 
Haman Backtell, Sept. 26,'*'>4, drafted, dis June 27/65. 
Christian Bender, Oct. 2, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Francis M. Campbell, June 30, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '05. 
Silas Cook, Oct. 17/64, substitute, discharged Sept. 12, '65. 
James Dowden, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
.John T. Disiuger, Oct. 19, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '(55. 
Henry H. Engierth, Oct. 24,'64, substitute, dis Oct. 19,'65. 
Thomas Fisher, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, discharged May 23, '65. 
Samuel Flinn, Oct. 15, '64, sub, died at Pulaski, Jan. 10, '65. 
George Fellers, Oct. 19, '64, drafted, discharged Dec. 13, '65 
John W. Foutz, Oct. 19, '64, drafted, discharged Aug. 2(),'65 
Henry Fuhrman, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, dis Sept. 15, '65. 
George M. Green, Aug. 25, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Joseph Grey, Oct. 6, '64, substitute, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
Jasper N. Hushaw, Sep. 1,'63, transf'd to V R C Apr. -,'()4. 
Engelbert Hittenbrock, Sept. 1,'63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
James A. Hill, Sept. 22, '63, pro corporal, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Isaac B. Harman, Oct. 18, '64, drafted, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Henry Heler, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, died Jan. 22, '65. 
Joseph A. Hendricks, Oct. 14, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19. '(;5 
Joseph Johnson, Sept. 22, '62, discharged June 14, '65. 
John A. King, Dec. 16, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
William N. Kitchen, Mar. 31 ,'64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
William A. King, Dec. 18, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
William Kline, Se^Dt. 22, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Joseph Link, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, discharged Oct. l'.t/<)5 
Enoch Martin, Sept. 15, '63, discharged June 14, '65. 
George Mugler, Oct. 6,'63, died Dec. 23, '64, disease. 
William J. Miller, Oct. 13, '64, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Obadiah Miller, Oct. 13, '(54, drafted, dis Aug. 14, '65. 
Jesse Miller, 

James W. Miller, Oct. 18, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 2, "65. 
William S. Ogle, Aug. 10, '63, unaccounted for. 
George W. Owens, Mar. 31, '()4, discharged Dec. 13, "65. 
John Phillips, Oct. 18,'64, drafted, discharged July 13,'05. 
Henry F. Pierce, Sept. 30, '64, sul)stituto, dicMl June S. '65. 



400 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

John Quinii, Oct. 19, '64, drafted, discharged Oct. 19, '65. 
Cornelius W. Roan, Aug. 25, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Emanuel H. Rotroff, Oct. 19, '64, drafted, died Jan. 1,'65. 
David Reiichler, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Lewis Reapert, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, died Apr. 1,'65. 
Richard Shaw, Apr. 9, '64, died at Chatt'ga, July 14,'64. 
Cyrus D. Smith, Oct. 13, '64, drafted, died Mar. 24,'65. 
George Soopler, Sept. 22, '64, drafted, died Feb. 7,'65. 
William H. Stewart, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Joseph N. Snell, Oct. 19, '64, drafted, dis Nov. 14, '65. 
Sylvester Spaugler, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '65. 

Wesley E. Thomas, , died Dec. 14, '64, wounds. 

Thomas Tull, Sept. 7, '6)3, discharged Dec. 13,'65. 
Charles H. Tully, Mar. 29, '64, 

Adam Trout, Oct. 13, '(54, drafted, discharged Aug. 14,'65. 
David Welty, Oct. 19, '()4, drafted, died Dec. 28, '64, wounds. 
Aaron Woodruff, Sept. 30, '64, substitute, dis June 14, '65. 
Solomon Zurfes, Oct. 15, '64, drafted, died of wounds, at 

Nashville, Jan. 1,'65. 
William E. Zartman, Oct. 19, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '65. 



COMPANY K. 

Captain. 

William W. Scearce, com'd Dec. 8, '61, pro Major May 1, 
'65, Lt-Col June 1,'65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

First Lieutenant. 

Jonathan Dunbar, , resigned Mar. 20, '63. 

Second Lieutenant. 

Samuel C. Owen, , died, no date. 

First Sergeant. 

Roman Salter, Feb. 23, '62, pro 1st Lt Mar. 21, '63, dis Feb. 
23,'65. 

Sergeant H. 

Allen R. Harris, Feb. 18, '62, pro Adjut Apr. 13, '65, dis- 
charged Dec. 13, '65. 

James A. Lawson, Dec. 10, '61, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

George W. Scearce, Dec. 16/61, pro 2d Lt Mar. 21, '63, dis- 
charged Jan. 25, '65. 

Thomas B. Hawkins, Feb. 22, '62, r, discharged Dec. 13, '65 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 401 

CorporalH. 

Alfred Goffen, Feb. 22, "62, died at Terre Haute May 26,'62. 

Solomon Stan field, Feb. 23, '62, o, deserted. 

John H. Moore, Feb. 22, '62, pro 1st Lt Feb. 28, '65, Capt 

May 1,'65, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Joseph Simpson, Feb. 22, '62, dis Feb. 18, '63, disability. 
Jonathan Grantham, Dec. 11 ,'61, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
George W. Kelshavv, " '' 

Alando Hemphill, r, •' pro sergt, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

Marcus Sperry, , discharged Aug. 8, '62, disability. 

Musiciavs. 

Jeremiah M. Mayes, Dec. 11, '61, dis Apr. 27, '63, disability. 
Ebenezer C. Mayes, " dis Feb. 22, '63, disability. 

Wagoner. 

John Bockley, Dec. 11, '61, died, Green Co, June 1,'62. 

Privates. 

James \\ Artluir. Dec. 11 ."61, died at Lebanon, Ky.. Feb. 

13,'62. 
Benjamin F. Adams, Feb. 23, '62, dis Feb. 18, '63, disability. 
Squire M. Adair, Feb. 22, '62, r, pro sergt, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
William Anderson, " r , " 

David E. Barnes, Dec. 11, '61, /', pro cori), '' 

Henry C. Black, Feb. 23, '62, v, 

Abraham Bensinger, Feb. 22, '62, deserted Apr. 2, '62. 
Miltiades Cash, i)ec. 16, '61, discharged March 26, '62. 
Peter H. Carnahan, Feb. 22, '62, died at Nashv. May 16, '63 
Ephraim Carpenter, Fel). 2, '62, r, pro 1st Sergt, discharged 

Dec. 13,'65. 
William Chappell, " r, ])ro sei'gt, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

•lohn W. Chappell, Feb. 22, '62, /', discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John L. Duncan, Dec. 1 1 ,'61, died at Bardstown, Jan. 13, '62 
Jerome W. Dyers, •' died Feb. 6/63. wounds Stone 

River. 
Charles D. Eves, Feb. 23, '(52, v, pro corp, dis Dec. 13, '(35. 
George AV. Fuller, Dec. 11, '61, discharged, no date. 
Henry P^isher, Feb. 23, '(52, dis Nov. 17, '62, disability. 
Hiram Grider, " discharged Feb. 28, '65. 

William B. Goodman, Feb. 23, '(52, deserted Oct. 30, "(Vj. 
Levi Harna, Dec. 15, "61, discliarged Dec. 14, '64. 
William Holcom, Feb. 23, '(>2. dis Jnlv 1 ,'(53. disahilitv. 
26 



402 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Benjamin F. Hensley, Jiin. 29/62, deserted Oct. 18/62, ret, 

deserted July 9/65. 
John F. Hensley, 

James A. Harvey, Feb. 23, '62, dis Nov. 11, '62, disability. 
Ephraim P. Herold, " died, Evansville May 12/62. 
Matthias Herold, " transf'd Inv Corps Dec. 8/63. 

David A. Harvey, Feb. 22/62, v, died Nashv. Dec. 22, '64. 
Reason Hawkins, " transf'd Inv Corps Dec. 8, '63. 

James M. Kelly, Dec. 11, '61, dis June 28, '62, disability. 
James M. Lester, sr., " dis Oct. 4, '62, disability. 

Francis M. Leach, Dec. 15, '61, died at Lebanon, Ky., Feb. 

4, '62. 
James M. Lester, jr, Dec. 11, '61, died Evansv. May 12, '62. 
Michael Long, Feb. 22/62, v, pro corporal, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
John Long, " discharged Feb. 23, '65. 

William McKinley, Feb. 23, '62, v, pro 2d Lt May 2, '65, 

discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
John J. Mitchell, Dec. 11, '61, dis June 30, '62, disability. 
William Mitchell, " dis Oct. 1 ,'62, disability. 

Benjamin F. Moore, " v, pro sergt, dis Dec. 13, '65. 

Willis F. Moore, Feb. 22, '62, v, pro 2d Lt May 1, '65, 1st Lt 

Mav 2, '65, discharged Dec. 13/65. 
George W. Powell, Dec. 11, '61, died Nashville, Jan. 19, '64. 
James Parker, " dis Dec. 10, '62, disability. 

Samuel R, Perkins, Dec. 16, '61, deserted Mar. 26, '62. 
Jacob Pitzer, Dec. 11, '61, discharged Dec. 14, '64. 
Charles Price, Feb. 22, '62, transf'd to U S Eng July 25,'64. 
Franklin Price, " " " 

Jeremiah L. Rice, Feb. 23, '62, r, discharged Dec. 13/65. 
George W. Richards, '' died, Louisville, Nov. 4/62. 

Samuel Racy, " /', pro corp, dis Dec. 13/65. 

John T. Rose, Dec. 11, '61, disch'd Jan. 13, '63, disability. 
Joseph Rees, " died at Nashville Mar. 26, '62. 

Solomon T. Stafford, Feb. 23, '62, v, trans U S E, July 25, '64 
David S. Strain, Dec. 11, '61, v, killed at Overton's Hill, 

Dec. 16, '64. 
Thomas E. Stanley, Feb. 23, '()2, died, Nashv. Feb. 1,'64. 
William H. Smith, " discharged June 14, '65. 

Squire Stepleton, " died at Nashv. Apr. 27, '62. 

Ditter C. Stringer, " deserted Jan. 18, '63. 

Eli A. Stringer, Feb. 23, '63, r, dis Mar. 22/65, disability. 
Joseph Shuts, Feb. 23, '62, missing in action, Stone River. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 403 

David Snow, Feb. 28, '{)2, v, discharged Dec. lo,'65. 
William Sutherlaii, Feb. 22/62, discharged Mar. 13/63. 
John Walford, Dec. 11, '61, discharged Aug. 19, '63. 
John W. Wolford, " deserted Mar." 26, '62. 

William Y. Weir, Dec. 15, '61, died Dec. 29, '62. 
James B. Whitlock, Dec. 11, '61, died, Nashv. Mar. 80, '62. 
John Wisner, " discharged Dec. 14, '64. 

Noah Wisner, " died, Nashv. Aug. 14, '()2. 

Joseph West, " dis June 28, '62, disability. 

William W. Yeates, Feb. 22, '62, v, pro corp, dis Dec. 18/65. 

Hecruits. 
Samuel C. Astley, Apr. 26, '64, discharged Dec. 13,'65. 
Alexander Bridges, Oct. 27, '68, " 

Francis M. Butcher, Oct. 10, '64, substitute, dis Dec. 18, '65. 
John Burns, Oct. 21, '64, drafted, deserted May 13, '65. 
Thomas Brown, Oct. 25,'64, drafted, " 
Daniel Burden, Oct. 21, '64, 
James Butcher, Oct. 19, '64, 

George Coonce, Apr. 12, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Joseph Crown, Oct. 21, '64, subst, killed Nashv. Dec. 16, '64 
Christopher Clapper, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, died Jan. 22, '65. 
Charles F. Drummond, Sep. 27, '62, dis Apr. 6, '63, disability 
Taswell Dodd, Oct. 2, '62, pro sergeant, dis Oct. 4, '65. 
Roger Doyle, Oct. 21, '64, deserted May 13, '65. 
Dennis Davis, Oct. 22, '64, 

William Elder, Jan. 6, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Henry Feith, Oct. 25, '64, deserted May 13, '65. 
John Flinn, Oct. 22,'64, 

Robert P. Grey, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Samuel L. Gadbury, Oct. 10, '64, drafted, dis Oct. 19, '65. 
Manoah W. Grim,' Oct. 3, '64, substitute, " 

William Grey, , discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

George Greeii, Oct. 22, '64, drafted, deserted May 13, '65. 
Emanuel C. Garber, Oct. 20, '64, drafted, deserted " 
Abram Hanna, June 17, '63, died, Victoria, Tex., Aug. 10, "65 
Abram J. Heavelin, Sept. 20, '64, drafted, dis Mar. — ,'()5. 
John Higgins, Oct. 20, '64, drafted, deserted May 13, "65. 
John Howard, Oct. 25, '64, '' " ^ 

John Hays, Oct. 22, '64, 
Albert Hodges, " 

Amos M. Hanes, Oct. 25, '64, substitute, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Marshall Jennings, Oct. 20, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 



404 FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA REGIMENT. 

Elias B. Keller, Nov. 12, '(54, (lis May 26, '(k"), disability. 
Samuel Kemper, Sept. 4, '(52, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Henry Kiefaber, Sept. 20, '64. drafted dis, Aug. 24, '(55. 
Richard H. Lewis, June 22, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Thomas A. Lawson, , died Dec. 18, '64. 

Henry Long, Oct. 22, '64, deserted May 13, '65. 
Ormal L. Musgrave, Aug. 22, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Jacob McMertrie, Oct. 27, '63, discharged' Dec. 13, '65. 
William B. Mahan, Apr. 12, '(54, 
Justice Minnick, Mar. 9, '64, " 

Thomas J. Newton, Oct. 27, '63, pro corp, dis Dec. 13, '65. 
Henry Newport, Sept. 20, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Michael O'Conner, Sept. 13, '62, dis May 29, '65, disability. 
Andrew J. Perkins, June 17, '63, died at home Aug. 16, '63. 
Allen C. Parker, Sept. 13, '62, discharged June 14, '65. 
William D. Parker, Apr. 7, '64, discharged May 29, '65. 
William Polsom, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Levi S. Raiisopher, Feb. 16, '64, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Samuel Richardson, Oct. 4, '64, substitute, dis Oct. 4, '65. 
Sanford Reynolds, Sept. 20, '64, drafted, dis June 14,'65. 
Charles W. Salter, Aug. 29, '62, discharged June 14, '65. 
James P. Sillery, June 24, '63, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 
Jacob Stepler, Sept. 21, '64, drafted, discharged Aug. 24,'65 
John Sutton, Apr. 8, '(54; died at Nashville May 17, '64. 
Solomon Standley, Sept. 20, '64, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
John Schraer, Sept. 22, '64, drafted, dischai-ged Oct. 2, '65. 
Daniel Schearer, Sept. 21, '(54, drafted, dis June 14, '65. 
Alvin B. Tibbits, Apr. 7, '64, died at Chatt'ga, Aug. 22, '64. 

Thomas Tinsley, , discharged Oct. 19, '65. 

Joseph Trump, Sept. 20, '64, drafted, dis May 22, '65. 

Christian Trump, , drafted, discharged June 14, '65. 

Levi Whitehead, Sept. 13, '62, discharged Dec. 13, '65. 

Joel Whitehead, Oct. 27,'63, 

Samuel T . White , Apr . 26 ,'64 , 

Wesley C. Wyant, Feb. 24, '65, discliarged Dec. 13, '65. 

Adam^Wolf, Sept. 21 ,'64, killed at Nashville, Dec. 16,'64. 

Nathan Wheeler, Oct. 15, '64, substitute, dis Aug. 2, '65. 

Henry Worling, , drafted, discharged Oct. 4, '65. 

Andrew Worling, Oct. 3,'64, drafted, dis Oct. 4, '65. 
Thomas J. Yeates, June 3, '63, discharged Dec, 13, '65. 



IJNASSIGNET) RECRUITS. 405 

UNASSIGNED RECRUITS. 

ACCOUNTED FOR. 

William Brown, Oct. 3, '64, drafted, transf'd Co. G, 21st Ind. 

Levi P. Bivans, Sept. 22/64, '' 

Joseph Blanchard, " " '' 

Jacob Harsh, Oct. 19, '64, 

James Davidson, Oct. 2,'6.'>, discharged Jan. 10, '65. 

George W. Fitzpatrick, Sept. 7, '64, subst, dis June 14, '65. 

John Simpson, Sept. 10, '62, discharged June 14/65. 

UNACCOUNTED FOR. 

Hiram F. Baxter, Sept. 5, '63. Wm. D. Barbor, May 20, '64 

Wm. Bennett, Oct. 21, '64. Daniel Bioden, Oct. 22, '64. 

John A. Dunbar, Oct. 27, '64. Henry Davis, 

Wm. Ehlarding, Oct. 3, '64. Joseph Foruntv, Oct. 26,'64. 

Wm. Linter, Oct. 18, '64. John McMahan, Oct. 19, '64. 

Charles La Pettitt, Oct. 18, '64. Wm. H. Levillager, " 

James Martin, Sept. 22, '63. Thomas Myers, Oct. 20, '64. 

John Russell, Oct. 22, '64. Nathan McCarthy, " 

James McMunigal, " John Murrell, Oct. 18, '64. 

Patrick Rengold, Oct. 25, '64. John Ragan, Oct. 22, '64. 

Geo. H. Smeltzer, June 30, '62. John Riley, " 

Henry P. Stallsmith, Oct. 6, '62. Charles Wiilard , ' ' 

Alvin M. Smith, Apr. 14, '62. John Wilson, 

James L. Conklin, Oct. 12, '64, drafted. 
Henry G. Colburn, Sept. 28, '64, drafted. 
James Glendering, Sept. 22, '64, drafted. 
Marshall Hale, Oct. 13, '64, drafted. 
Darres Hagall. Sept. 26, '64, drafted. 
Frederick Kannaman, Oct. 19, '64, substitute. 
Nelson Moore, Oc. 18, '64, drafted. 
John Mason, Sept. 22, '64, drafted. 
Ewenry Moorse, Sept. 30, '64, substitute. 
James M. McCullough, Sept. 21, '64, drafted. 
William Snvder, Sept. 22, '64, drafted. 
Marshall Vjmce, " 






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